An Investigation of Ancient Water Collection and Storage Systems Near the Karahantepe Neolithic Site Using UAV and GIS

This study aimed to investigate the ancient water collection and storage systems near the Karahantepe Neolithic Site, located 500 m to the north, utilising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The utilisation of DEM allowed for the examination of the cisterns, pools, and channels in the region. The hydrological analysis gave a comprehensive understanding of the water flow patterns. The findings showed that the channels leading to the cisterns followed a meandering slope and culminated in pools, which could be sedimentation ponds. The study emphasised the benefit of utilising UAV technology in archaeology and inferred that the water collection and storage system in the region was deliberately constructed by ancient civilisations.

Automated summary

This study used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to investigate ancient water collection and storage systems near the Karahantepe Neolithic Site. The use of digital elevation models (DEMs) allowed for the examination of cisterns, pools, and channels in the region. Hydrological analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of water flow patterns. The findings suggested that the channels leading to cisterns followed a meandering slope and culminated in pools, possibly serving as sedimentation ponds. The study highlighted the benefits of utilizing UAV technology in archaeology and inferred that the water collection and storage system in the region was intentionally constructed by ancient civilizations.