Rock art dating back 7,000 eld has   been come upon by scientist flying a drone , marking one of the first times the technology has been used this agency . investigator studying the passel environ Alicante were used to having to hike up their way of life to the realm ’s hidden archaeological treasure , but now they ’ve show that there can be an leisurely fashion .

During their enquiry project “ Rock Art and Cultural Landscapes in the Mountains of Alicante , ” they ’ve had to manage with rank drops , wall , and spotty terrain in their search for prehistoricrock arthidden within the mountains . Their experiences led researcher Francisco Javier Molina Hernández , a trained drone pilot , to the estimation fly might be a well style to scout the area .

As lot would have it , the maiden flight into18 cavesrevealed two that contain prehistorical painting . The glide path not only speeds up prehistoric rock art hunting , but also makes for magnificent footage .

If you ’ve receive a superfluous three hour , we strongly recommend kicking back and enjoying this flight through the Alicante mountains .

“ This methodology can be apply not only in prehistorical stone artwork inquiry , but also in inheritance studies have-to doe with to prophylactic conservation , taking into account the dissimilar threats to this heritage , such as urban development , quarrying operation or outside unpaid and sport activity , ” write thestudyauthors .

“ Although this proposal focuses on prehistoric representation , the study of alike archaeologic sites from any historical stop could be utile . ”

Of of course , flying does n’t get you the up - stuffy look atprehistoric rock’n’roll artthat cross on groundwork does , but the researchers were capable to raise and enlarge the footage using Photoshop to get a exculpated trope . Giving look-alike from the Castellet - Barranc del Salt ravine this handling revealed figures , Archer , cervid , and goats . Arrows striking figures could even be seen , manifest the degree of particular drone photography can pick up even at a aloofness .

With the added benefit of speed up up the scouting process , it ’s hoped that succeeding monotone surveys could advance our understanding of the region and the ancient nontextual matter it hold .

“ There are many inaccessible area of the Alicante mountains , ” Molina toldArtnet News . “ Using a drone to snap wall is a quick method acting and this late find entail there are many prehistorical cave paintings to be found . ”

The team will need to apply for special permits to vanish tv camera - enabled drone pipe around the neighborhood , so until more footage arrives , we ’re off to watch it again .

The written report is published inLucentum XVII .