13. High-Resolution Satellite Imagery and the Detection of Buried Archaeological Features in Ploughed Landscapes

Traditionally, archaeological aerial surveyors fly routes selected on the probability of site visibility and record only what they perceive as significant. This approach to aerial reconnaissance has come under criticism in recent years with respect to productivity, bias and cost. Through panchromatic imagery with sub-metre resolution and high-resolution multispectral products, modern commercial satellites are capable of recording fine details of both extant sites and archaeological cropmarks. They are not limited by fuel costs, airspace laws, pilot time or conflicting regions of interest. In addition, the multiple wavelength images and powerful image analysis software available offer the facility to manipulate images in order to maximise the visibility of surface details and to detect any variations in the non-visible spectrum. The present paper employs a comparative analysis of above-ground remotely-sensed data recovered on various dates and with various methods of acquisition (QuickBird and Corona satellite imagery; WWII vertical aerial photography and recent oblique aerial photographs), in order to discuss the potential of satellite imagery to reveal buried archaeological features in the area of southern Dobrogea (Romania) and to assist in the reconstruction of past landscapes. It outlines some of the methodological approaches employed, highlights areas for further research and presents some preliminary outcomes.