Exploring the UAV-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Historical Site Detection: A WWII Hiding Place Case Study near Bornerbroekseweg

Authors

  • Dimitar Rangelov Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands | University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8511-1555
  • Tasha Yara Kronshorst Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
  • Jiri Jonker Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
  • Kars Waanders Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9251-1726
  • Nilay Swarge Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1051-0761
  • Evgeni Genchev Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2538-8344
  • Sylvia Molthof Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
  • Louise Lijcklama à Nijeholt Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
  • Jaap Knotter Police Academy of The Netherlands, The Netherlands
Volume: 15 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 28208-28218 | October 2025 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.12914

Received: 24 June 2025 | Revised: 27 July 2025, 5 August 2025, and 20 August 2025 | Accepted: 25 August 2025 | Online: 6 October 2025


Corresponding author: Dimitar Rangelov

Abstract

This study evaluates the potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-based Ground-Penetrating Radar (UAV-GPR) for identifying buried features related to a suspected World War II (WWII) hiding place near Bornerbroekseweg, the Netherlands. The survey area is an active farmland field with limited surface indicators and partially documented historical significance. A total of six UAV flight lines and four ground-based GPR paths were conducted to cover the site. Subsurface anomalies were identified at depths between approximately 0.2 and 1.5 m. In particular, Flight 6 revealed a near-surface reflection at 0.2–0.4 m, whereas Flight 4 showed a deeper horizontal anomaly at around 1.2–1.5 m. Ground-based Path 3 supported these findings with continuous horizontal reflections distinct from natural stratigraphy. The integration of UAV and ground-based data enabled full-site coverage and localized resolution, supporting the identification of areas warranting further archaeological investigation. The results demonstrate the applicability of UAV-GPR for non-invasive prospection in rural historical sites with uncertain spatial records and suggest its value for informing targeted excavations.

Keywords:

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), UAV-based sensors, remote sensing, cultural heritage preservation, anomaly detection, radargram, non-invasive prospection

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How to Cite

[1]
D. Rangelov, “Exploring the UAV-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Historical Site Detection: A WWII Hiding Place Case Study near Bornerbroekseweg”, Eng. Technol. Appl. Sci. Res., vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 28208–28218, Oct. 2025.

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Copyright (c) 2025 Dimitar Rangelov, Tasha Yara Kronshorst, Jiri Jonker, Kars Waanders, Nilay Swarge, Evgeni Genchev, Sylvia Molthof, Louise Lijcklama à Nijeholt, Jaap Knotter

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