archaeological research & communication

Mustair UNESCO Heritage Site Survey

First-authored Remote Sensing (MDPI) study: GPR and magnetometry geophysical prospection revealing hidden monastic structures at the Müstair Carolingian UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Institution: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology
Role: First author, Data processing, Interpretation, Cartographic visualisation
Tools: Caesium vapour magnetometry, GPR (400 MHz / 800 MHz), Data processing software, Cartographic visualisation
Year: 2021 - 2022
Location: Mustair, Switzerland

Gallery

A multi-method geophysical prospection workflow

Interpretive findings from the Müstair survey

Objective

Map subsurface archaeological features and understand the spatial organisation of the medieval monastic complex beyond preserved architecture.

Challenges

Surveying within a UNESCO World Heritage Site with strict access and conservation constraints
Interpreting complex multi-phase subsurface remains across different geophysical methods

Target Group

Heritage professionals and UNESCO site management
Geophysical prospection researchers
Archaeologists working with non-invasive survey methods

Outcome

Peer-reviewed publication in Remote Sensing (MDPI). Identified subsurface guest quarters, agricultural infrastructure, and craft production areas.

Impact

Peer-reviewed publication contributing to UNESCO World Heritage Site management
Revealed previously unknown monastic infrastructure beneath the site

Publications

Geophysical Prospection at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mustair (Switzerland) — Remote Sensing (MDPI)