A medieval monastery complex, long believed to be lost, has now been identified using ground penetrating radar (GPR) in Roskilde, Denmark. The investigations have uncovered extensive and well preserved remains of the St Clare’s Convent from the 13th century, approximately one metre below today’s ground surface.
Digital archaeology
NIKU is adopting a broad range of new technology for the surveying, recording, and monitoring of cultural heritage sites.
See examples of our digital projects
NIKU's Department of Digital Archaeology works with various digital methods aimed at research and documentation of cultural heritage from both older and newer historic periods. See and explore the department's diverse work here
Geophysical surveys
By using geophysical methods of investigation, we can investigate archaeological sites without resorting to physical intervention
Registration of cultural heritage with drones
NIKU is certified as a drone operator and offers registration, terrain modeling, monitoring, and documentation of cultural heritage using drones
Image – based modeling
NIKU undertakes most types of dissemination and documentation projects. In our work, we combine the best of photogrammetry, laser scanning, and traditional documentation of cultural heritage
Projects
Here are some of our projects
Latest news
Thought the monastery was lost: Found the entire complex with ground‑penetrating radar under a football pitch
From Sacred Site to Community: New Discovery Reveals a Broader Picture of Life on Selja
For centuries, Selja has been known as Norway’s oldest pilgrimage site dedicated to a saint and as an important religious centre during the Middle Ages. Now, investigations have uncovered the remains of yet another previously unknown structure outside the monastery complex.
Unknown Medieval Ruin Discovered at Selja Monastery and Pilgrimage Site
An unknown medieval structure has emerged just meters from Selja Monastery. The find may shed new light on life and activity on the island during the monastic period.
Lost Medieval Town at Hamar Uncovered: Excavation Confirms GPR Data
In the summer of 2023, the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) pinpointed the location of the long-lost medieval town of Hamarkaupangen using grond penetrating radar (GPR). During an ongoing excavation carried out by NIKU and Anno Museum, archaeologists have finally found physical remains of buildings, confirming the geophysical data.
Historic discovery: Karl XII’s hidden transport route uncovered at Blomsholm
New geo-radar technology has uncovered traces of Karl XII's spectacular overland transport of galleys in 1718. The discovery provides new insight into one of Sweden's most fascinating military operations.
Archaeological Geophysics – launch of map service argin.no
NIKU (with partners) has created an open map service with an overview of projects completed with archaeological geophysics in Norway. Almost 2000 hectares have been studied and 300 project reports are now available through the webpage argin.no.
Linking Places
Save the date for the conference Linking Places in the Emerging Viking Age on the 17. and 18. October 2024! More information to come early next year.
Innovative Technology: Robot to Find Norway’s Hidden Cultural Heritage
The Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) and AutoAgri are launching a revolutionary self-driving ground penetrating radar (GPR) for archaeological survey. The technology promises increased efficiency, climate friendly solutions, and accurate mapping of hitherto undiscovered cultural heritage.
Using GPR to Shed Light on State Formation, National Unification and Religious Change in Norway
Last autumn, archaeologists using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) discovered traces of previously unknown graves and settlement activity at several locations along Trondheim Fjord. They hope that these discoveries can shed light on state formation, national unification and religious change in Norway a thousand years ago.
Promising results with ground-penetrating radar in Iceland
This summer, archaeologists from Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage (NIKU) have carried out several surveys using ground penetrating radar in Iceland. Preliminary results show that the investigations have already been very successful.