Aerial photography

Definition

Aerial photography is the technique of capturing images of the Earth's surface from an elevated position, typically using aircraft, drones, or satellites. This method allows archaeologists to view large areas of land and identify potential archaeological sites, landscapes, and features that may not be easily visible from the ground. It serves as a vital tool for survey techniques, enhancing site identification by providing a comprehensive overview of the terrain and its historical context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aerial photography can reveal patterns in the landscape that indicate human activity, such as ancient roads, settlements, and agricultural fields.
2. It allows for large-scale surveys to be conducted quickly and efficiently, often covering more ground than traditional survey methods.
3. Images captured from the air can be analyzed for subtle changes in vegetation and soil color that might suggest buried structures.
4. Aerial photography is often combined with other technologies like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to enhance data collection and analysis.
5. Historical aerial photographs can provide valuable insights into how landscapes have changed over time and help archaeologists understand site development.

Review Questions

• How does aerial photography enhance site identification in archaeology?
  • Aerial photography enhances site identification by providing a broad view of the landscape that highlights features not easily seen from ground level. It captures patterns related to human activity, such as settlements, roadways, or agricultural fields. This method allows archaeologists to identify potential sites before conducting on-the-ground surveys, saving time and resources in the field.
• Discuss the relationship between aerial photography and remote sensing technologies in archaeological research.
  • Aerial photography and remote sensing technologies are closely related as both aim to gather information about the Earth's surface from above. While aerial photography focuses primarily on capturing visual imagery, remote sensing encompasses a wider range of data collection techniques, including thermal imaging and multispectral analysis. By integrating these technologies, archaeologists can enhance their understanding of landscapes, identify potential sites more effectively, and analyze changes over time.
• Evaluate the impact of historical aerial photography on our understanding of archaeological landscapes and site development over time.
  • Historical aerial photography has significantly impacted our understanding of archaeological landscapes by providing a visual record of changes over time. It allows researchers to study how human activity has transformed environments, revealing patterns of settlement expansion or decline. By comparing historical images with current landscapes, archaeologists can identify past human behaviors and environmental interactions, offering crucial insights into site development that would be challenging to gather through traditional methods alone.

Related terms

Remote Sensing: The acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact, often using satellite or aerial imagery to gather data.

Photogrammetry: The art and science of making measurements from photographs, typically used to create maps and 3D models from aerial images.

Site Survey: A systematic examination of a landscape to locate and assess archaeological sites, often incorporating various techniques including aerial photography.