GAVIN LEONG

Searching for Rock Art at Stonehenge

Gavin Leong's research at the University of Brighton is using advanced technology in order to discover secrets at Stonehenge as to now untold. Currently, roughly a quarter of the stone's surfaces have never been studied due to a dense coverage of lichen on the surface. Recently, axe-head carvings have been discovered that could tell us more about Bronze Age people. There may be more carvings hidden amongst the lichen surface just waiting to be found.

The process begins with scanning the surface of the stones. Using computer programming, Leong is developing a tool that will calculate the difference between noise created from scanning a non-lichen and lichen covered surface. This program will hopefully be able to identify where axe marks may be present, see if there is any pattern and build further knowledge about Stonehenge.

I have just made this sound very simple. It is not, but this research could be hugely beneficial not just to Stonehenge but other sculptures and historic sites.