Anthony Russell

I have recently joined Wessex Archaeology as Chief UAV Pilot, following several years working primarily in engineering and construction. My role involves ensuring the company is operating within CAA regulations and that any UAV activities are undertaken in a legal and safe manner, providing advice on how UAVs can bring value to a project, overseeing any UAV activities being undertaken and researching new and innovative ways in which drones can be utilized in Archaeology.

In my previous role as Survey Manager for a surveying consultancy, I was responsible for the day-to-day running of the Birmingham Regional Office as well as for the company’s UAV department. This involved managing survey teams as they undertook UAV, topographical, measured building and monitoring surveys, advising clients on the best survey strategy for their project and, more widely, developing the company’s UAV service. Prior to this I ran the Birmingham survey team at a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy and aided in establishing the company’s UK UAV service.

Usually, in Archaeology and other disciplines, UAV platforms have been used for aerial photography, but what I’m most interested in is the way in which different sensors such as LiDAR, multispectral cameras etc, can be used in Archaeology to offer a different perspective on a site in a way that changes or enhances our understanding. I’m also interested in how UAV and remote viewing can be used in community engagement to make heritage more accessible.

In my spare time I’m usually bouldering, hiking or hiding behind a good book.