The research project carried out during the PhD work aims to study the effectiveness of the
OhmMapper (Geometrics Inc.) capacitive-coupled resistivity system in archaeological contexts.
In order to verify the effectiveness of this resistivity-meter to identify archaeological features,
we realized a systematic surveys in the Geophysical Test Site of Rovereto (TN - Italy). In particular
we compared both resistance and resistivity profiles realized by OhmMapper capacitively coupled
resistivity-meter and by the Terrameter SAS 1000 (ABEM) galvanic resistivity meter. We realized
these surveys walking along the same acquisition line to intercept a target compatible with an
archaeological feature. The comparison between the profile realized by the two different
instruments allowed us to establish the reliability of the OhmMapper to detect targets characterized
by vertical pattern and resistivity values grater than the context.
After this analysis, we realized several resistivity surveys in archaeological sites using the
OhmMapper. In particular the surveys carried out in five archaeological sites are the most
appropriate to demonstrate the effectiveness of the instrument, because the resistivity results are
comparable with other archaeological or geophysical data. Two of these sites are located in modern
urban contexts (Sacred Area of Medma Greek colony and the roman Aqueduct of Florence); the
other three sites are located in suburban areas (Late-ancient villa near Siena, Accademia of Villa
Adriana and Sentinum roman town)
