In May 2016, Hereford Archaeology, led by Tim Hoverd, completed a full survey of Ponthendre Motte, which had never been adequately surveyed before.
Traditional survey methods were used by the team (plane table and level ; total station) but they were also assisted by Adam Stanford of Aerial-Cam, a company which specialises in drone photography.
Using quadcopters to take multiple digital images, Adam was able to create 3-D terrain models of the landscape surrounding and including the motte. These can either be shown in monochrome or full colour.
quadcopter
Adam Stanford of Aerial-Cam
Ponthendre Motte 3-D terrain model showing the motte surrounded by a ditch, with outer bailey enclosed by a clear rampart.
Longtown Castle has already been the subject of a detailed conventional survey by English Heritage.This was carried out in 2003, before drone-based aerial photography became available.
Now, with Adam’s quadcopters we have full 3-D terrain models of Longtown Castle. These can be manipulated to be viewed from any angle and cross-sections taken from any position. On the left is a plan of the castle in full colour. Below are two views of the castle from opposite directions.
