3D GPR models generated from 2D profiles validation through archaeological excavation

3D GPR data models offer a better visualization of underground objects, which allows the user to easier identify areas of interest and to approximate more accurately artifacts' shape and dimensions. Today's technical improvements made possible the development of new GPR equipment capable of gathering real 3D data. Older GPR models, that generate only 2D radargrams, can also make use of 3D models by generating them through interpolation from the 2D profiles. This paper validates generated 3D models by comparing them with artifacts revealed after archaeological investigations. The data used in the presented case was acquired at one of the most important archaeological sites in Romania, Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, former capital and the largest city of Roman Dacia. The data was gathered in 2016, in a region of the site where no archeological digging was present. The paper proves the presence of the discovered walls and constructions in the 3D generated models before the archeological works revealed them years later.