Aerial photos and analysis of reflectivity of various electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths provides opportunities for archaeological discovery. documentation. and analysis of spatial relationships

1. Remote Sensing
in Archaeology
Imagery Analysis

2. Remote Sensing
Perception at a distance
Interpretation of imagery
Spatial analysis

3. Archaeology
Site detection
Regional spatial analysis
Predictive modeling
Historic preservation in regional planning

4. Early Remotely Sensed Data
French balloonist
Reconnaissance photography
USDA and USGS aerial data
Landsat program

5. Multispectral Imagery
Several to hundreds of
9
data layers
1
1 8
Layer 1 (8,9) 9 Stacked data file
1
1 8
Layer 2 (8,9)
9 Choose three to show
1
1 8
Layer 3 (8,9)

6. Multispectral Scanning
Selected wavelengths
Airborne and satellite
Measurement of differences
Electromagnetic radiation

7. Electromagnetic Radiation
Light, heat, and microwaves
Differential reflection/emmisivity

8. Shorter Wavelengths
Reflectance
Solar radiation
Visible,NIR,
and MIR

9. Longer Wave
Lengths
Thermal bands
Emissivity
Radar
Geometric and dielectric properties

10. Key Targets for Wavelength
Blue Soil, plants, buildings, roads, water
Green Traces of buildings and roads, plant type boundaries
Red Buildings, roads, chlorophyll absorption bands
Near infrared Soil moisture, bodies of water
Middle infrared Types of rock, Soil moisture
Thermal infrared Heat, soil moisture, plant stress
Microwave Objects buried in arid soils, cultural features

11. Visual Site
Detection
Topological features
Soil features
Vegetation features

12. Image Analysis
Intuitive Statistical

13. Intuitive Analysis
A priori,
deductive
reasoning
Lacks statistical measure
of validity
Quick and effective

14. Intuitive Statistical

15. Statistical Analysis
Measurable accuracy
Higher loading on office
time
Can become complex

16. GIS Integration
Create vector layers
from results
Overlay vector shapes
Drape imagery onto DEMs

17. Site Type Examples
Building Remains
Roads
Habitations
Ceremonial Features

18. Building Remains

19. Roads
Possible feature detected Feature verified

20. Habitations

21. Ceremonial
Features

22. Suggestions for Iowa
Study known sites
Develop regional models
Incorporate models in planning/preservation
process

23. Thanks for coming

24. End transmission