Archaeological Prospecting and Remote Sensing

This book surveys some of the highly ingenious non-destructive methods for detecting and mapping remains of civilisations.

Irwin Scollar (Author), A. Tabbagh (Author), A. Hesse (Author), I. Herzog (Author)

9780521115469, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 16 July 2009

696 pages
24.4 x 17 x 3.5 cm, 1.09 kg

First published in 1990, Archaeological Prospecting and Remote Sensing surveys some of the highly ingenious non-destructive methods for detecting and mapping remains of ancient cultures that have vanished from the modern surface. Techniques include low-level air photography, magnetic, thermal, electric, and electromagnetic geophysical prospecting. A mathematical analysis of the phenomena and measurements is given together with the techniques for interpretation of results using computerized image processing. Archaeological prospecting used with image processing has emerged as a universal tool. The aim is to build a visual geographic system available for use by conservationists, historians and scientists alike. The team of authors comprises an archaeologist, two geophysicists and an applied mathematician who have collaborated to produce a book of immense value in this innovative field of study.

Preface
1. Archaeological prospecting
2. Soils and the effects of climate on prospecting
3. Aerial photography
4. Archaeological image enhancement
5. Geometric transformation of archaeological aerial photographs and mapping
6. Resistivity prospecting
7. Magnetic properties of soils
8. Magnetic prospecting
9. Electromagnetic prospecting
10. Thermal prospecting
Index.

Subject Areas: Geographical information systems [GIS & remote sensing RGW], Archaeological science, methodology & techniques [HDW], Archaeological theory [HDA]