NIKU—Norsk institutt for kulturminneforskning
The Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage – Archaeology Department
NIKU is an autonomous non-profit research body of expertise in archaeology, history, conservation and ethnology amongst others dedicated to cultural monuments and sites both nationally and internationally. The respective departments employ a total of 25 archaeologists and an additional internal GIS and surveying unit consisting of selected members from the other departments. NIKU has specialised in developing advanced methodology and approaches to non-destructive documentation (monitoring and evaluation of archaeological sites and landscapes using ALS and terrestrial laser scanning. Various attempts have been made at combining methods and technology such as satellite data, laser scanning, geophysics as well as more traditional methods such as surveying, GIS and map regression. It has become obvious that the full potential of these methods can only be realised through an integrated approach and their deployment on large-scale, long-term archaeological projects. Further development of these methods and a theoretical framework will be the primary contribution to the LBI. Therefore the main expertise and experience will be contributed to large-scale research projects in Norway together with the LBI. Aim for the NIKU is taking an active part in the LBI that will provide a better integration of its competence as part of a wider international research environment to further develop these methods into practical and efficient tools. NIKU, in turn, will provide access to technology such as laser-scanners and geophysical equipment as well as access to large-scale data sets such as satellite data and ALS data for the LBI. In addition NIKU will provide the LBI with direct access to research and heritage management networks all over Norway.
