Nicholas Crabb

Dr Nicholas Crabb

  • 01202 961409
  • crabbn at bournemouth dot ac dot uk
  • Senior Lecturer In Archaeological Science
  • Christchurch House C120, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB
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Biography

I am a Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Science, specialising in archaeological prospection; geophysical survey and remote sensing. I am also the programme lead for BSc and BA Archaeology and a member of the University Archaeology UK steering group.

My research centres on the application of non-intrusive methods in archaeological and cultural heritage management and their integration with GIS-based spatial analysis and modelling. This ranges from the large-scale analysis of landscapes and past environments to the more detailed characterisation of specific archaeological features. I have extensive professional experience and have directed numerous fieldwork projects varying from surveys of scheduled monuments and historic properties to investigations of multi-period archaeological landscapes.

Research

My research interests are primarily focused on the application of geophysical and remote sensing data to investigate complex archaeological remains or deposits. I am particularly interested in exploring how non-intrusive methods can help to resolve contemporary issues in heritage management and I am currently evaluating the potential of Hyperspectral Imagery to provide an enhanced record of archaeological features.

In my PhD research, I integrated non-invasive techniques for the enhanced investigation of areas of geoarchaeological potential, such as alluvial landscapes and areas influenced by colluvial and coastal processes. Such research is necessary as these areas are increasingly at threat due to climate change, with floodplains and valley bottoms likely to encounter an increase in the frequency and intensity of floods, and heritage assets on the foreshore and cliff-top becoming at risk from damage or loss from erosion. More broadly, I am also interested the ways in which people in the past constructed and used the environment around them, as well as how this evolved over time.

Favourites

  • Crabb, N., Carey, C., Howard, A.J. and Brolly, M., 2023. Lidar visualization techniques for the construction of geoarchaeological deposit models: An overview and evaluation in alluvial environments. Geoarchaeology, 38 (4), 420-444.
  • Crabb, N., Carey, C., Howard, A.J., Jackson, R., Burnside, N. and Brolly, M., 2022. Modelling geoarchaeological resources in temperate alluvial environments: The capability of higher resolution satellite remote sensing techniques. Journal of Archaeological Science, 141.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person's work contributes towards the following SDGs:

Quality education

"Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all"

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Decent work and economic growth

"Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all"

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Life on land

"Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss"

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Partnership for the Goals

"Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development"

more information

Journal Articles

  • Crabb, N., Carey, C., Howard, A. and Brolly, M., 2025. SARchaeological Prospection: Synthetic Aperture Radar for the Reconstruction and Mapping of Temperate Floodplain Environments. Archaeological Prospection.
  • Grau-Bove, J., Higham, R., Cruz, M. and Munthe, A., 2025. The most studied house in the world: 12 years of research-led teaching at Hellens Manor, England. JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF CONSERVATION, 48 (2), 132-152.
  • French, C., Carey, C.H.R.I.S., Allen, M.J., Toms, P., Wood, J., De Smedt, P., Crabb, N., Scaife, R.O.B., Gillings, M.A.R.K. and Pollard, J., 2024. The Alluvial Geoarchaeology of the Upper River Kennet in the Avebury Landscape: A Monumental Transformation of a Stable Landscape. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society.
  • Crabb, N., Carey, C., Howard, A.J. and Brolly, M., 2023. Lidar visualization techniques for the construction of geoarchaeological deposit models: An overview and evaluation in alluvial environments. Geoarchaeology, 38 (4), 420-444.
  • Pocobelli, D.P., Melinis, A., Crabb, N. and Grau-Bové, J., 2022. Using Building Information Modelling to map the composition of glass panes in a historic house. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 26.
  • Pocobelli, D.P., Melinis, A., Crabb, N. and Grau-Bové, J., 2022. Using Building Information Modelling to map the composition of glass panes in a historic house. Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 26.
  • Crabb, N., Carey, C., Howard, A.J., Jackson, R., Burnside, N. and Brolly, M., 2022. Modelling geoarchaeological resources in temperate alluvial environments: The capability of higher resolution satellite remote sensing techniques. Journal of Archaeological Science, 141.

Conferences

  • Crabb, N., 2025. Portable Hyperspectral Imaging (pHI) for the enhanced recording of archaeological features and deposits. In: 16th International Conference on Archeological Prospection 15-19 September 2025 Ghent University, Belgium. ArcheoSciences, 49 (1), 493-496 Groupe des Methodes Pluridisciplinaires Contribuant a l'Archeologie.
  • Crabb, N., Carey, C., Howard, A. and Jackson q, R., 2021. Identifying archaeological potential in alluvial environments: An evaluation of remote sensing techniques at the River Lugg, Herefordshire, UK. In: International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies 24 4-6 November 2019 Vienna. Monumental Computations: Digital archaeology of large urban and underground infrastructures: Proceedings of the International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies, Vienna.
  • Crabb, N., Brolly, M., Burnside, N., Howard, A., Jackson, R. and Carey, C., 2019. Evaluating the capability of a sUAS mounted multispectral sensor for the mapping of archaeological resources in an alluvial landscape. In: Bonsall, J., ed. 13th International Conference on Archaeological Prospection 28 August-1 September 2019 Sligo, Ireland. New Global Perspectives on Archaeological prospection: Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Archaeological Prospection Archeopress.
  • Crabb, N., Baggaley, P., Learmonth, L., Plesmčar, R. and Richardson, T., 2017. Moving beyond an identification of 'ferrous': A re-interpretation of geophysical surveys over WW1 practice trenches on salisbury plain. , 50-51.

Theses

  • Crabb, N., 2023. Evaluating contemporary remote sensing technologies for the reconstruction and mapping of archaeological resources in alluvial environments. PhD Thesis. University of Brighton, School of Applied Sciences.

Posters

  • Crabb, N., 2025. portable Hyperspectral Imaging (pHI) for the enhanced recording of archaeological features and deposits. In: NHSF Conference | Trends in Heritage Science.

Others

  • Crabb, N., 2025. Guidelines for the use of Airborne Laser Scanning (Lidar) in Archaeology (EAC Guidelines 10). European Archaeological Council (Europae Archaeologiae Consilium). Published.

PhD Students

  • Antonio Corbo. Combination of LiDAR and Multispectral Data for Archaeological Survey and Conservation: Comparative Case Studies in Italy and the United Kingdom - Visiting PhD Student from Sapienza University of Rome, (In progress)
  • Harry Manley. Powering Productive Landscapes: investigating the control and management of water in past production processes, (In progress)
  • Jon Milward. The Architecture of Occupation: A re-appraisal of the Second Augustan Legion’s invasion campaign across southwest England by archaeological examination of key military sites., (In progress)
  • Lucy Parker. Geophysical Surveys in England: Using Digital Data to Inform Heritage Management & Promote Collaboration, (In progress)

Profile of Teaching UG

  • Unit Leader - Applied Geophysical Survey
  • Unit Leader - Working with Cultural Heritage
  • Unit Leader - Responsible Research in Archaeology and Anthropology
  • Lecturer - Introduction to Archaeology & Anthropology
  • Lecturer - Practical Archaeology
  • Lecturer - Archaeological Field Skills
  • Programme leader - BA and BSc Archaeology

External Responsibilities

Internal Responsibilities

  • Radiation Protection Supervisor, Faculty of Science and Technology

Conference Presentations

  • National Heritage Science Forum - Trends in Heritage Science, Portable Hyperspectral Imaging (pHI) for the enhanced recording of archaeological features and deposits, 10 Jul 2025, UCL, London
  • 30th European Association of Archaeologists Annual Meeting, More than meets the eye: Hyperspectral imaging for the enhanced recording of archaeological features and deposits, 24 Aug 2024, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
  • Drones in Landscape Survey - Chartered Institute for Archaeologists conference, Considerations for the effective use of UAS-mounted multispectral sensors for archaeological prospection and landscape modelling, 19 Apr 2023, Nottingham, UK
  • Near Surface Geophysics Group: Recent Work in Archaeological Geophysics, Integrating geophysical and remote sensing data for the modelling of geoarchaeological resources in alluvial environments., 06 Dec 2022, London, UK
  • SEAHA Conference 2022: Exploring the Frontiers of Heritage Science, Evaluating contemporary digital technologies for the reconstruction and mapping of archaeological resources in alluvial environments, 07 Sep 2022, London, UK
  • Celebrating 50 years of Archaeological Prospection - Chartered Institute for Archaeologists conference, Evaluating contemporary digital technologies for the reconstruction and mapping of archaeological resources in alluvial environments, 25 Apr 2022, Bath, UK
  • Contemporary Approaches to the Investigation and Management of Archaeological Resources in Alluvial Environments - 27th Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists, Remote sensing in alluviated landscapes: The potential of a synergistic approach to environmental modelling of the river valley floor, 06 Sep 2021, Kiel, Germany (Online)
  • The archaeological perspective on the use of satellite data - Computer Applications in Archaeology, Satellite remote sensing for the reconstruction and mapping of archaeological resources in alluvial environments, 14 Jun 2021, Limassol, Cyprus (Online)
  • 9th Developing International Geoarchaeology conference, Remote sensing for the reconstruction and mapping of archaeological resources in alluvial environments., 17 May 2021, Faro, Portugal (Online)
  • Know your place: Defining the role of Geophysics in Development-led archaeology - 24th Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists, Towards an improved implementation of geophysical survey in UK commercial archaeology, 05 Sep 2018, Barcelona, Spain.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Remote Sensing; Geoarchaeology (University of Brighton, 2024)
  • MRes in Science & Engineering in Heritage and Archaeology (University College London, 2018)
  • MA in Archaeology (University of Reading, 2010)
  • BA (Hons) in Ancient History and Archaeology (University of Reading, 2009)

Memberships