19 Remote Sensing Applications in Archaeological Research

The spectral capability of early satellite sensors opened new perspectives in the field of archaeological research. The recent availability of hyperspectral and multispectral satellite imageries has established a valid and low cost alternative to aerial imagery in the field of archaeological remote sensing. The high spatial resolution and spectral capability can make the VHR satellite images a valuable data source for archaeological investigation, ranging from synoptic views to small details. Since the beginning of the 20th century, aerial photography has been used in archaeology primarily to view features on the earth’s surface, which are difficult if not impossible to visualize from the ground level (Rowland and Sarris, 2006 ; Vermeulen, F. and Verhoeven, G., 2004). Archaeology is a recent application area of satellite remote sensing and features such as ancient settlements can be detected with remote sensing procedures, provided that the spatial resolution of the sensor is adequate enough to detect the features (Menze et al., 2006). A number of different satellite sensors have been employed in a variety of archaeological applications to the mapping of subsurface remains and the management and protection of archaeological sites (Liu et al., 2003). The advantage of satellite imagery over aerial photography is the greater spectral range, due to the capabilities of the various on-board sensors.