The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) and Adam Sutherland, a University of Illinois grad student in the Department of Anthropology, are using drone technology to investigate a uniquely preserved Weaver phase Late Woodland (c. 450 AD) village in Western Illinois. 

Staff from the ISAS Western Illinois Field Station (David Nolan, Alec Scobbie, and Andrew Mallo) and the Central Offices (John Lambert and Tom Loebel) have volunteered their time to survey the site this spring. 

By combining traditional aerial and satellite imagery with drone flights the team has produced high-quality maps and images of the site revealing what seems to be a series of bent-pole houses surrounding a central occupation area.  

These techniques give archaeologists a powerful tool to more fully explore sites before excavation even begins.  

See drone footage from the site