Kartlegging av middelalderske kirkesteder i Norge med Georadar:

Abstract

An estimated 2000 churches are believed to have been built in Norway during the medieval period. Although many of the associated church sites are still in use, a considerable number have since been dissolved or moved. Thus, the location of more than 600 abandoned church sites is known, whilst several are only known through historical sources, place names and tradition. From a cultural heritage management viewpoint this is a challenge as the sites are often located in arable land and are therefore under constant threat from agricultural activities and natural erosion. Furthermore, the sites can be difficult to detect and map without resorting to expensive and intrusive methods. The aim of this paper is to discuss the use of ground-penetrating radar as a potential tool for the management of medieval church sites. We present the results from ground-penetrating radar surveys undertaken at Furulund, Hylestad and Habbarstad, and we highlight advantages and challenges in using this type of technology on abandoned church sites in rural settings.