Remote Sensing in Archaeology

Imagery Analysis

Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing

Perception at a distance

Interpretation of imagery

Spatial analysis

ArchaeologyArchaeologySite detection

Regional spatial analysis

Predictive modeling

Historic preservation in regional planning

Early Remotely Sensed Data

Early Remotely Sensed Data

French balloonist

Reconnaissance photography

USDA and USGS aerial data

Landsat program

Multispectral ImageryMultispectral Imagery

Several to hundreds of data layers

Stacked data file

Choose three to show

Layer 3 (8,9)

Layer 1 (8 ,9)

Layer 2 (8,9)

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9

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Multispectral ScanningMultispectral Scanning

Selected wavelengths

Airborne and satellite

Measurement of differences

Electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic RadiationElectromagnetic Radiation

Light, heat, and microwaves

Differential reflection/emmisivity

Shorter WavelengthsShorter WavelengthsReflectance

Solar radiationVisible, NIR,

and MIR

Longer Wave Lengths

Longer Wave Lengths

Thermal bands

Emissivity

Radar

Geometric and dielectric properties

Key Targets for Wavelength

Key Targets for Wavelength

Soil, plants, buildings, roads, water Blue

Traces of buildings and roads, plant type boundariesGreen

Buildings, roads, chlorophyll absorption bandsRed

Soil moisture, bodies of waterNear infrared

Types of rock, Soil moisture Middle infrared

Heat, soil moisture, plant stress Thermal infrared

Objects buried in arid soils, cultural features Microwave

Visual Site DetectionVisual Site Detection

Topological features

Soil features

Vegetation features

Image AnalysisImage Analysis

Intuitive Statistical

Intuitive AnalysisIntuitive Analysis

A priori, deductive reasoning

Lacks statistical measure of validity

Quick and effective

Intuitive Statistical

Statistical AnalysisStatistical Analysis

Measurable accuracy

Higher loading on office time

Can become complex

GIS Integration

GIS Integration

Create vector layers from results

Overlay vector shapes

Drape imagery onto DEMs

Site Type ExamplesSite Type ExamplesBuilding Remains

Roads

Habitations

Ceremonial Features

Building RemainsBuilding Remains

Possible feature detected Feature verified

RoadsRoads

HabitationsHabitations

Ceremonial Features

Ceremonial Features

Suggestions for IowaSuggestions for Iowa

Study known sites

Develop regional models

Incorporate models in planning/preservation process

Thanks for coming

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