Coastal & Inland Waters Heritage Science Facility

The Coastal and Inland Waters Heritage Science Facility (CIW) supports advanced research into vulnerable heritage across the UK’s coastal and freshwater settings. These dynamic environments are rich in natural and cultural history, yet are also some of the most challenging to investigate. Hosted by the University of Southampton, CIW aims to redress this imbalance – matching specialist equipment with expertise to improve access to high-quality data collection at and beneath the water’s edge. Our core capabilities include aerial and terrestrial imaging – UAV-based photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal and multispectral imaging, and terrestrial laser scanning – for site and landscape documentation, modelling and monitoring. We also support geophysical surveys, with a range of ground penetrating radar (GPR) antennas and uncrewed vehicles. A USV equipped with a multibeam echosounder, LiDAR, side-scan sonar and sub-bottom profiler is ideal for mapping submerged or semi-submerged environments. For detailed underwater recording, we offer a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and diver-acquired photogrammetry to create high-resolution 3D models of features or artefacts in situ. These field-based tools are supported by a fixed lab offering object-based imaging (multi-camera photogrammetry, Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and structured light scanning), along with data processing, 3D visualisation and AI-assisted analysis to support interpretation, reconstruction and digital archiving. Through cross-disciplinary partnerships, we also facilitate access to a range of additional services, such as environmental sampling, underwater excavation and deep-sea exploration, enabling research at sites ranging from ancient lacustrine settlements to submerged harbours and shipwrecks. We support work at any stage – from survey design and equipment training to data collection and post-processing. CIW particularly welcomes collaborative research agendas and partnerships across