Ricerche topografiche e remote/proximal sensing per la carta archeologica di Medma (Rosarno, Reggio Calabria)

The aim of this paper is to present the preliminary results of the archaeological mapping project of Medma, a sub-colony of Locri located in the present-day territory of Reggio Calabria (Italy). The research, conducted through the analysis of remotely and proximately sensed data, focuses on the systematic reassessment of archaeological legacy data in combination with historical photographs, satellite imagery, and UAV photogrammetric surveys, in order to reconstruct, as far as possible, the urban topography of Medma. Indeed, current knowledge of the ancient polis is fragmentary and consists mainly of disiecta membra — portions of the urban layout, residential quarters, sanctuaries, and necropoleis dating to the Classical and Hellenistic periods. Within a GIS environment, the systematic digitization and georeferencing of all available archaeological information will make it possible to perform an integrated spatial analysis of Medma, aimed at clarifying its urban planning, including the shape and size of the insulae, the extent of the built-up area, and the topographical consistency of the city walls.