Utilizing UAV-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Archaeological Site Detection: A WWII Hiding Place Case Study near Bornerbroekseweg

Integration of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) promises new possibilities for non-invasive archaeological site identification, especially where areas are hard to reach or sensitive to disturbance. This research investigates utilization of GPR technology mounted on a UAV to identify a World War II hiding place of significance, the 'Onderduikhol,' next to Bornerbroekseweg, Wierden municipality, the Netherlands. During aerial surveys, a Compact Broadband Detector (CBD) GPR system was placed on a DJI Matrice 600 Pro UAV, supplemented by ground measurements with GPR for validation. No conclusive indications of the hiding structure were observed, but a number of shallow planar reflection anomalies were recognized, indicative of possible areas of historical subsurface disturbance. This work proves the promise of rapid archaeological prospection using UAV-GPR while identifying main issues, such as soil water effects, flight stability, as well as interpretation uncertainties. By integrating drone-based with conventional survey techniques, this research provides rich insight into the advantages, constraints, and opportunities of UAV-GPR for cultural heritage management.