Topographic mapping and geological study of Melka Kunture palaeolithic site

In order to aid the archaeological researches at Melka Kunture prehistoric area (Ethiopia), a geological survey was carried out with the goal of producing the new geological map at the scale of 1:10,000. In addition, the topographic map at the same scale was created from the stereorestitution of two couples of Standard Stereo IKONOS II, 1 m pan-sharpened, satellite imageries. The scenes cover an area of about 100 km² around the site and the produced topographic map was used as reference cartography. Rational Polynomial Coefficients allowed the images orientation, those accuracy was improved by the use of Ground Control Points measured through Differential GPS surveys. The images aerial triangulation allowed to create the Digital Elevation Model of the whole archaeological area and consequently to produce the orthophotomap. Additionally, following to the CORINE Land Cover Nomenclature, this image was used to classify the area land use that was mapped into the topographic sheet. Concerning the geology, the area was object of detailed studies as testified by more than 170 geological stops that were executed in the most representative outcrops. Each of them was characterised by accurate description tables, panoramic and detailed pictures and by the measurement of 3D coordinates. During fieldwork activities also more than 80 rock samples were collected for petrographic and micropalaeontological analyses. Geological mapping was supported by the study of the Digital Elevation Model and the photointerpretation of stereo- and ortho-images that allowed also to identify the most evident geomorphological and structural features. According to the reference system of the Ethiopian 1:50,000 topographic maps, the produced data was projected into the national UTM coordinate system (Spheroid Clarke 1880 - Datum Adindan - Zone 37 N).