45-1 UAS-Based Visible Light and LiDAR Assessment of Post-Wildfire Landscapes in Attica, Greece: Cultural Heritage Discovery and Baseline Assessment

Session: Geoarchaeology

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Abstract:

The intensifying frequency and severity of wildfires in the eastern Mediterranean pose urgent challenges for cultural heritage management. This study uses unpiloted aerial systems (UAS)-mounted RGB cameras and LiDAR sensors to document the aftermath of the 2024 wildfires on the southern slopes of Mount Pentelikon in Attica, Greece. Focusing on two areas—Daou Pendeli and Kalissia—the survey aimed to assess the wildfire’s impact on the landscape, contribute to archaeological prospection, and establish a baseline for monitoring future geomorphic change. The visible light imagery facilitated the production of high-resolution orthophotos and fire-scar mapping, while LiDAR data produced point clouds that revealed subtle topographic features previously concealed by vegetation. The removal of ground cover facilitated the identification of features interpreted as terrace walls, enclosures, and potential structural remains not previously recorded. Additionally, the high-resolution elevation models provide critical baseline data for analyzing post-fire erosion and sediment redistribution across the newly exposed hillslopes. This study demonstrates the value of UAS-based remote sensing for rapid documentation, archaeological discovery, and long-term environmental monitoring in fire-impacted regions.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10605

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