Geophysical methods, and particularly ground penetrating radar (GPR), have been increasingly applied as a preliminary mapping tool to guide archaeological excavations. Direct comparisons between geophysical and archaeological features are however not always systematically performed given the different time spans, covered areas, acquisition and processing approaches of the surveys. A critical comparison between geophysical and archaeological results is here proposed on a test site within the archaeological area of Augusta Bagiennorum (NW Italy). Three rectangular sectors covering an area of approximately 2325 m² were investigated with high-density GPR profiles and compared with both historical and new archaeological excavations. The GPR amplitude and attribute analyses highlight the effectiveness of geophysical prospections in identifying buried linear (i.e., walls) and localized (e.g., pillars or columns) archaeological remains. The recent archaeological excavations fully confirm the interpretation of the GPR results. Historical archaeological trenches, filled with coarse material after the excavation, are also found to generate strong anomalies in the GPR amplitude, similar to the ones of the buried structures, but with irregular contours and oblique orientations with respect to Roman remains. The GPR prospections also highlight interesting buried elements in unexplored areas, supporting important archaeological interpretations about the spatial configuration of the Roman city. The results help to recognize sectors with significant and well-preserved buried remains that can be brought to light in the future to promote heritage conservation and enhancement at the site.

中文翻译：

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Augusta Bagiennorum 考古区的探地雷达调查：地球物理和考古活动的比较

地球物理方法，特别是探地雷达 (GPR)，已越来越多地用作指导考古发掘的初步测绘工具。然而，考虑到调查的不同时间跨度、覆盖区域、采集和处理方法，地球物理和考古特征之间的直接比较并不总是系统地进行。这里提出了在奥古斯塔巴吉诺鲁姆（意大利西北部）考古区域内的一个测试地点对地球物理和考古结果进行批判性比较。三个矩形扇区，面积约 2325 m ²用高密度 GPR 剖面进行了调查，并与历史和新的考古发掘进行了比较。GPR 振幅和属性分析突出了地球物理勘探在识别埋藏的线性（即墙壁）和局部（例如柱或柱）考古遗迹方面的有效性。最近的考古发掘充分证实了对 GPR 结果的解释。在挖掘后充满粗糙材料的历史考古战壕也被发现在 GPR 振幅中产生强烈的异常，类似于埋藏的结构，但相对于罗马遗迹具有不规则的轮廓和倾斜的方向。探地雷达勘探还突出了未勘探区域中有趣的埋​​藏元素，支持关于罗马城市空间配置的重要考古解释。结果有助于识别具有重要且保存完好的埋藏遗迹的部门，这些遗迹可以在未来被曝光，以促进遗址的遗产保护和提升。