Embankment at Lydney Harbour, Lydney, Gloucestershire - Photogrammetric and Laser Scan Survey Report

Wessex Archaeology

Wessex Archaeology undertook a photogrammetric survey of the approximate 1,500 m² of embankment and coal tips along the southern bank of the Lydney Canal. Lydney Docks and Harbour is scheduled by Historic England (NHLE 1002079) so Scheduled Monument Consent (S00243013) was needed.

The survey comprised an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetric survey, supported by terrestrial photogrammetry. Due to an unfavourable weather forecast for UAV flights, in an agreed change to the Written Scheme of Investigation methodology a laser scan survey was also undertaken, targeting the embankment.

Weather conditions improved and a site-wide UAV photogrammetric survey was also able to proceed, which is not the subject of this report, covering a total area of approximately 6.3 ha and incorporating the embankment. The laser scan and UAV photogrammetric survey was supported by terrestrial photogrammetry around the coal tips, where access and visibility was restricted. The datasets were combined to produce a 3D model, from which photogrammetric orthomosaics were generated, to provide a lasting visual record of the retaining wall and coal tips following a programme of ground clearance.