About StaffRobert Shaw

Robert Shaw
Geo-surveyor

Contact Details

Telephone: +353 1 639 3714
Email: robert@discoveryprogramme.ie

Biography

I graduated in Topographic Science BSc (Hons.) from the University of Glasgow in 1988. In 2003 I was elected a full member of the Irish Institution of Surveyors.

In 1988/89 I worked for 12 months as a surveyor on a national mapping project in Saudi Arabia. The project pioneered the use of GPS as a source of geodetic control for use in a digital photogrammetric project, generating high resolution DEMs and orthoimagery.

From 1989/92 I worked for Bartholomew working on geographic databases and digital atlas map design.

In 1992 I joined the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) as a surveyor in the survey and graphics section. This role involved extensive surveying and mapping of archaeological monuments and landscapes around Scotland, and the preparation of maps and illustrations for publication.



I began work with the Discovery Programme in January 2002 as a geo-surveyor. My extensive experience in archaeological survey gained with RCAHMS has been applied to the work of the research projects at the Discovery Programme. I’ve also been able to further my own research interests in the application of new technologies to archaeological survey. Notable achievements, both individual and collaborative include:

  • Introduction of GPS surveying technology, particularly as a means to provide primary control and data for 3D modeling
  • Introduction of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technology to improve the surveying of excavations and upstanding buildings
  • Development of remote survey techniques for the three dimensional recording of monuments and landscapes, including digital photogrammetry, and high resolution airborne LiDAR
  • Advanced 3 dimensional modeling of cultural objects, monuments and landscapes.
  • Application and development of geophysical techniques and methodology in the recording of subsurface archeological features
  • Development of digital archiving and data access methods and services
  • Participation in the COST Action A27: Understanding pre-industrial structures in rural and mining landscapes (LANDMARKS)

Publications

Book Chapters:

Corns, A. and Shaw R. 2009, Up in the air: 3D modeling of archaeological landscapes from aerial photography. In J Fenwick (ed.) Lost and Found, Volume 2, Wordwell Publishing, Dublin

Corns, A. and Shaw R. 2008, The application of digital vertical aerial photogrammetry in the recording and analysis of archaeological landscapes . In Geoinformation Technologies for Geo-cultural Landscapes: European Perspectives, CRC Press

Corns, A., McNeary, R., Shanahan, B. and Shaw, R. 2006 Rathcroghan and Carnfree, Co. Roscommon (Ireland) In Journeys through European landscapes, Lévêque, L., M.R. del Árbol, L. Pop & C. Bartels (eds)

Brady, N., Corns, A., McNeary, R., Shanahan, B. and Shaw, R. 2005 A survey of the priory and graveyard at Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. In Discovery Programme Reports 7, Royal Irish Academy, Dublin

Peer Review Journals:

Robert Shaw, GPS Survey: 3D data for easy digitsl terrain modelling, The E-way into the Four Dimensions of Cultural Heritage, CAA2003, Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology, BAR Series 1227, Archaeopress, UK, 2004, 482 - 487


Other Journals:

Corns A. and Shaw R. 2008,High Resolution LiDAR for the recording of archaeological monuments and landscapes, In Remote Sensing for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management, Arance, Rome, Italy
Corns A., Fenwick, J. and Shaw R. 2008, More than meets the eye. In Archaeology Ireland, Vol. 22, No. 3, Issue No. 85, , Wordwell Publishing, Dublin
Corns A., and Shaw R. 2007 Earthwork excavation: scanning archaeological excavations. In 3D Laser Scanning for Heritage: Advice and guidance to users on laser scanning in archaeology and architecture, English Heritage Publishing, London

Professional

Member of IRLOGI (Irish Organisation for Geographical Information)