Satellite Remote Sensing for Archaeology

by Sarah Parcak

This handbook is the first comprehensive overview of the field of satellite remote sensing for archaeology and how it can be applied to ongoing archaeological fieldwork projects across the globe. It provides a survey of the history and development of the field, connecting satellite remote sensing in archaeology to broader developments in remote sensing, archaeological method and theory, cultural resource management, and environmental studies. With a focus on practical uses of satellite remote sensing, Sarah H. Parcak evaluates satellite imagery types and remote sensing analysis techniques specific to the discovery, preservation, and management of archaeological sites.

Case studies from Asia, Central America, and the Middle East are explored, including Xi’an, China; Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Egypt’s floodplains. In-field surveying techniques particular to satellite remote sensing are emphasized, providing strategies for recording ancient features on the ground observed from space. The book also discusses broader issues relating to archaeological remote sensing ethics, looting prevention, and archaeological site preservation. New sensing research is included and illustrated with the inclusion of over 160 satellite images of ancient sites.

Genres: Archaeology

312 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2009

Reviews

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being nearly 8 years old, this publication still gave a detailed overview of the history of remote sensing in archaeology, where it stood in 2009 and potential advancements, since of which have taken place. I did find it a little idealistic in places, but I suppose anyone interested in archaeology is a romantic at heart. Overall it was a solid overview that shows the potential for this field to benefit our understanding of the past through identification, hopefully leading to preservation, although that has not been the case in some areas recently. When I was at university studying archaeology, one of our professors was just starting out working on the Angkor project and some of the materials brought into our computer lab were really exciting, and that was nearly 20 years ago. It made us wonder about the future, would we even need to dig, thus preserving everything as it was whilst still being able to gather information? Perhaps we would be able to graphically excavate sites by peering through the earth and reassembling data through virtual programming? I still wonder.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the subject. At this point, it could probably stand a second edition.

[Kalle Wescott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read /Satellite Remote Sending for Archaeology/, by Sarah Parcak:

http://www.antiquity.ac.uk/reviews/do...

Even though this book is a decade old in a rapidly-changing environment, it gave me a great foundation for satellite sensing of the earth's contours as well as what lies beneath.

[Jeff Sovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ebook] Review forthcoming.