Imaging Radar and Archaeological Survey
An Example from the Gobi Desert of Southern Mongolia
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11073092 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Derrold W Holcomb (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2001 |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue | 1-2 |
| Pages | 131-141 |
| Publication date | 2001-01-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Field Archaeology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0093-4690 • E-ISSN: 2042-4582 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1179/jfa.2001.28.1-2.131 |
| OpenAlex | W2035436902 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 14 |
The application of spaceborne imaging radar data to archaeological survey in arid regions was investigated at a study area in the Gobi Desert of southern Mongolia. A repertoire of computer enhancement regimens specific to archaeological applications was applied to RADARSAT imagery of the study area to reduce noise, detect lineaments, or otherwise enhance the data. The imagery was then georectified and integrated into a large area mosaic, creating detailed multi-layered image-maps that were used to direct ground exploration. During two field seasons with the Joint Mongolian-Russian-American Archaeological Expedition (JMRAAE) in 1997 and 1998, precise latitude/longitude information was obtained with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices, establishing Ground Control Points with which to further georectify the image-maps. Both navigation and archaeological site selection were enhanced by hydrologic and topographic information in these satellite image-maps. The JMRAAE field team successfully located Palaeolithic cultural artifacts showing little or no surface expression, most often in association with ancient watercourses. The team was able to navigate accurately through the extreme desert terrain using the image-maps and GPS in this otherwise only minimally mapped area, thereby facilitating detailed archaeological reconnaissance and survey
Archaeology · Cartography · Geography · Global Positioning System · Ground-Penetrating Radar · Radar · Remote sensing · Satellite imagery · Terrain · Archaeological Research and Protection · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Computer Science · Geology · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
| Citations per year | 0.16 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2007 - 2009 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |