Roman Road Survey

The well-preserved mile-and-a-half long stretch of Roman road in the Park is part of the Ryknield Street. It was built in the first century AD between forts at Wall (near Lichfield) and Metchley (at the QE Hospital and University of Birmingham in Edgbaston). In 2025 FOSPA was awarded a grant from Sutton Coldfield Town Council for a detailed survey of the road to assist in understanding, managing and protecting it. It was undertaken by University of Leicester Archaeological Services and SUMO surveying. It consisted of drone-based photogrammetric and lidar surveys followed by ground-based survey. 

 

Photogrammetry consists of multiple photographs which can be stitched together by software to produce an accurate three-dimensional image at a high resolution. 

LiDAR is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging (radar is radio detection and ranging). It provides highly detailed and accurate models of the land surface at a high resolution. Points are recorded by a laser beam transmitted in pulses from the air, and the location of points on the ground can be recorded to an accuracy of 100-150mm both horizontally and vertically. The laser beams penetrate gaps in branches of trees and other vegetation to reach the ground surface under them. 

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You can download the associated walkover and lidar results here.