@misc{10481/108516,
year = {2025},
month = {12},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10481/108516},
abstract = {Megalithic landscapes in Southeast Iberia remain unevenly and insufficiently documented, particularly in rugged areas where traditional survey methods are limited. This paper addresses this gap by applying a multiscalar approach to the megalithic necropolises of the Fardes River (Granada, Spain), with the objective of detecting, documenting and interpreting poorly preserved prehistoric structures. To this end, an iterative workflow integrating remote-sensing techniques—specifically LiDAR-derived
Digital Terrain Models (DTM) analysis and historical aerial imagery and RPAS photogrammetry—combined with systematic
pedestrian surface survey was designed and tested. In the initial digital revision, 40 anomalies consistent in size (around 10–15 m
in diameter) and morphology (circular) with known burial mounds of the area were identified. Field verification of these features
confirmed 20 as positive archaeological features, comprising graves with tumuli and only orthostatic stone structures.
Subsequently, RPAS photogrammetry was used on a selection of these verified sites to create high-resolution imagery and 3D
models, allowing for detailed documentation and advanced interpretation. Additionally, a walled Chalcolithic settlement was
recorded, characterized by concentric masonry alignments and associated material culture (e.g., hand mills, pottery and metallurgical tools). From a methodological perspective, this study evaluates the potential and limitations of remote sensing for
detecting small-scale megalithic features (less than 20 m in diameter) often obscured by erosion, vegetation or subtle topographic
expression. It demonstrates the value of an iterative survey model in which digital detection guides targeted fieldwork, and where
field observations inform the subsequent application of advanced technologies such as RPAS for more precise documentation.
This high verification rate (50%)—achieved through the complete ground-truthing of all detected anomalies—offers a replicable framework for surveying complex prehistoric landscapes and contributes new insights into the territorial organization and social complexity of Copper Age communities in Southeastern Iberia.},
organization = {‘Dinámicas de
continuidad y transformación entre el Neolítico y el Calcolítico en el Alto
Guadalquivir (DINAGUA) (Proy_Exc00002)’ financiado por la Consejería
de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación de la Junta de Andalucía},
organization = {‘Producción artesanal y división del trabajo en el Calcolítico
del Sudeste de la Península Ibérica: un análisis a partir del registro
arqueológico de Los Millares (PARTESI) (PID2020-117437GB-
I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)’ financiado por la Agencia Estatal
de Investigación del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación.},
publisher = {Wiley},
keywords = {Chalcolithic enclosure},
keywords = {ground-truthing},
keywords = {LiDAR and RPAS mapping},
keywords = {Megalithic landscape},
keywords = {Remote sensing},
keywords = {RPAS photogrammetry},
keywords = {Poblado calcolítico fortificado},
keywords = {prospección arqueológica superficial},
keywords = {Paisaje megalítico},
keywords = {Teledetección},
keywords = {LiDAR},
keywords = {Fotogrametría aérea},
title = {Digital Spatial Technologies to Compose the Map of the Southeast Iberia Megalithic Phenomenon. The Case Study of Fonelas (Granada, Spain)},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/arp.70021},
author = {Cabrero González, Carolina and Cámara Serrano, Juan Antonio and Bueno Herrera, José Antonio and Gámiz Caro, Jesús},
}