Laser surveys are underway for an iron-age site at Al Ain, in the United Arab Emirates.

 

The site, known as Hili-17, is dated from around 1,000BCE, and is thought to have been an industrial centre of sorts, as researchers have found pieces of stone believed to have been used to produce pottery.

 

Laser surveys were selected as a non-destructive, accurate way of mapping and modelling the 3,000 year old mud huts. More than 100 pieces were surveyed in total, resulting in 3,000 digital images.

 

The photos will be added to 3D models of the site, allowing them to better map out their recording and restoration efforts.

 

The buildings underwent the excavations in the early 1990s, but have not received the necessary protection from the elements, and have degraded significantly since. 20 years of rain, wind and sand storms have led to the decay, and in some cases collapse, of the fragile mud walls of dirt.