Remote sensing

Definition

Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial imagery. This technique allows archaeologists to gather data without direct contact with the site, making it invaluable for identifying and mapping archaeological features, especially in challenging or inaccessible environments. Remote sensing combines technology and analysis, providing a broader view of landscapes and enabling researchers to make informed decisions about where to excavate or conduct further investigations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Remote sensing techniques can identify subtle changes in the landscape that may indicate buried archaeological features such as walls, roads, or ditches.
2. The use of remote sensing has significantly reduced the need for destructive excavation by allowing archaeologists to prioritize areas for study.
3. Satellite imagery can cover large areas quickly, making it effective for regional surveys and understanding site distributions across vast landscapes.
4. Remote sensing can also help in maritime archaeology by locating shipwrecks and submerged settlements using sonar technology.
5. Data from remote sensing can be processed and analyzed using advanced software tools to generate 3D models of archaeological sites.

Review Questions

• How does remote sensing enhance the methods used in historical archaeology to identify potential excavation sites?
  • Remote sensing enhances historical archaeology by allowing researchers to detect buried features without excavation. Techniques like aerial photography and satellite imagery provide comprehensive views of landscapes, revealing patterns that may not be visible at ground level. This method enables archaeologists to focus their efforts on specific areas that show promise based on the data collected, reducing unnecessary digging and preserving the integrity of sites.
• Evaluate the impact of technologies like LiDAR on the field of archaeology, particularly in understanding colonial sites.
  • Technologies like LiDAR have revolutionized archaeology by providing detailed topographical maps that uncover previously hidden structures, such as colonial settlements or defensive walls. By penetrating vegetation cover, LiDAR reveals features that traditional surveying methods might miss. This capability has led to new discoveries in understanding how colonial societies organized their landscapes and interacted with their environments.
• Synthesize how the integration of remote sensing with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can transform archaeological research strategies.
  • Integrating remote sensing with GIS transforms archaeological research by combining detailed spatial data with powerful analytical tools. This synergy allows researchers to visualize relationships between various archaeological sites, analyze patterns over time, and manage large datasets effectively. By mapping features identified through remote sensing within a GIS framework, archaeologists can better understand settlement patterns, trade routes, and cultural interactions in colonial contexts, ultimately leading to more informed research questions and excavation strategies.

Related terms

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing spatial and geographic data, often used in conjunction with remote sensing to visualize and interpret archaeological sites.

LiDAR: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing method that uses laser light to measure distances and create high-resolution maps of landscapes, including features obscured by vegetation.

Aerial photography: The taking of photographs from an airborne vehicle, providing visual data that can reveal archaeological sites, structures, and patterns on the earth's surface.