Enhanced Case Study: Ground-Penetrating Radar Survey for Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council in Cherbourg, QLD
Project Scope and Objective
South-East Scanning was engaged by the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council for a critical mission: to conduct a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey on a large land parcel in Cherbourg, QLD, earmarked for development. The primary goal was to locate Indigenous remains sensitively and accurately, particularly unmarked graves, ensuring respect for the cultural and historical significance of the land.
Advanced Methodology Employed
For this survey, a meticulous methodology was adopted. Data were collected in a systematic grid pattern, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the entire area. This grid method allowed for the creation of a detailed subsurface map. The use of advanced GPR technology, specifically the Leica DS2000 and Impulse Radar PinPointR, facilitated the detection of anomalies consistent with grave sites. The Leica DS2000’s dual-frequency antenna system was pivotal in penetrating different soil layers, while the Impulse Radar PinPointR provided real-time, high-resolution images. Drone technology was integrated into the process, flying over the grid areas to capture aerial photographs and videos, enhancing the overall data collection, and providing a broader context to the GPR findings.
Cultural Sensitivities and Protocols
Recognising the profound Aboriginal cultural sensitivities associated with graves, the survey was conducted with the utmost respect and adherence to Indigenous protocols. Engaging with local Aboriginal representatives was a critical aspect of the project, ensuring that all activities were aligned with cultural values and the community’s wishes. The survey team was acutely aware of the significance of these sites, not only in archaeological terms but as sacred places of rest for ancestors of the local Indigenous community.
GPR Technology and Human Remains Detection
GPR’s capability in detecting human remains lies in its sensitivity to variations in soil density and composition. When a grave is excavated and refilled, the disturbed soil differs in structure from its undisturbed state, creating a detectable anomaly. Over time, even if a grave remains unmarked on the surface, these subsurface disturbances persist, allowing GPR to identify potential burial sites. In Cherbourg, the GPR survey was finely tuned to detect such anomalies, with the layered soil and varying moisture content providing a complex backdrop to the detection efforts.
This ground-penetrating radar survey conducted by South-East Scanning at Cherbourg, QLD, for the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council exemplifies the company’s expertise in leveraging advanced GPR technology for archaeological and cultural heritage projects. Through meticulous grid-based data collection, employing both the Leica DS2000 and Impulse Radar PinPointR, and supplemented with drone aerial imagery, South-East Scanning successfully mapped potential Indigenous burial sites, demonstrating respect and sensitivity towards Aboriginal cultural practices. This project underscores South-East Scanning’s capability in providing precise subsurface imaging solutions, ensuring the preservation of historical and cultural legacies while meeting the development needs of the present. The careful approach and successful execution of this survey highlight the company’s role as a leader in the field of subsurface imaging and its commitment to cultural and historical preservation.
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