The Center for Aeronautical Geotopographic Information has carried out the surveys of an archaeological excavation. The Chair of Paletnology of the “Roma Tre” University, has requested the collaboration of the Air Force in order to topographicalally map the area of the excavations and to measure the heights of the soil layers within the same. The excavations, dating back to a human settlement that can be dated to approximately 32,000 years ago, were carried out by university graduates and undergraduates while the surveys were carried out by personnel from the CIGA using traditional and satellite topography techniques by positioning 6 GPS receivers in the area. The collected data were subsequently processed in the cartographic stations at the CIGA to create a “3D” graphic model of the area with a 50 cm topographic detail. The work, delivered to the University, will be displayed at conferences, lectures, and publications.
The CIGA, the State Cartographic Organization under the command of the Air Force Command, has several tasks, including conducting topographic surveys for the production of the Airport Obstructions Map. A topographic cell is used for these surveys, which visits military airports, including those open to civil air traffic, on a five-year basis. The cell collects topographic data, processes them, and uses them to update the Airport Obstructions Map.
The Center, based at the military airport of Pratica di Mare (RM), is also equipped with computers and dedicated programs through which the cartographic and IT staff processes cartographic data related to aerial and satellite photographs, aeronautical information, obstacles, and geographical bases. Thanks to these capabilities, it constantly collaborates with civil and judicial institutions such as Civil Protection, Prefectures, Courts, Universities, the Carabinieri, and the Municipal Police in case of disasters, combating illegal construction and environmental pollution.
