Әуе археологиясы: Археологиялық зерттеулердің жаңа көрінісі

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Aerial archaeology is the study of archaeological remains by examining them from a higher altitude. In present day, this is usually achieved by satellite images or through the use of drones.

Aerial Archaeology involves interpretation and image analysis of photographic (and other kinds of images), in field research to understand archaeological features, sites, and landscapes. It enables exploration and examination of context and large land areas, on a scale unparalleled by other archaeological methods. The AARG (Aerial Archaeology Research Group) boasts that 'more archaeological features have been found worldwide through aerial photography than by any other means of survey'. Aerial archaeological survey combines data collection and data analysis. The umbrella term 'Aerial images' includes traditional aerial photographs, satellite images, multispectral data (which captures image data within specific wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum) and hyperspectral data (similar to multi spectral data, but more detailed). A vast bank of aerial images exists, with parts freely available online or at specialist libraries. These are often vertical images taken for 'Area Survey', by aircraft or satellite (not necessarily for archaeological reasons). Each year a small number of aerial images are taken by archaeologists during prospective surveys. Aerial Archaeology is used for a wide range of archaeological purposes: discovery of new sites; site recording; determining where to excavate; mapping individual sites; monitoring sites, etc. Aerial Images form the foundation of archaeological landscape mapping and the ability to study large areas is often the only possible using aerial resources. Through the aid of vast data banks of satellite and other aerial imagery, archaeologists have access to resources that allow them to carry out these tasks. In places yet to be documented (or where maps are considered confidential), satellite imagery is vital to providing base maps for excavation. For data analysis, aerial images must be analysed and interpreted using specialised skill sets. This includes an understanding of formation processes as well as contemporary history and landscape history. Often aerial archaeology will be carried out using computer programmes (such as Geographic Information System) aiding interpretation. Despite Aerial photography seeming methodologically objective and empirical, there is possible subjectivity that merits consideration, e. g. bias when interpreting images, and errors such as conflating interpretation with description. In 'From the air: Understanding Aerial Archaeology', Brophy and Cowley argue that 'the individual plays a major role in creating the archaeological record' in aerial archaeology, more than in other fields. For example, in aviation archaeology, subjective decisions include deciding where and when to fly, what targets to examine, what to photograph and how to photograph it, what to catalogue, and how to interpret the data.

Aerial photographs can be categorised by oblique images and vertical images.

Oblique images are taken at an angle, allowing sunlight to highlight physical features on the ground through shadow. These are then used alongside structures from motion software (SFM) to create 3D models.

LIDAR (light detection and ranging) aka ALS (airborne laser scanning) uses laser scanner pulses that are beamed to the ground, from an aeroplane, and bounce back recording the landscape features. This is used to document topography, creating visualisations of the data such as digital elevation models. LANDSAT images have helped in identifying large scale features, such as an ancient riverbed running from the Saudi Arabian desert to Kuwait.

Satellites whose images are publicly available, include IKONOS and QuickBird. These images can be used similarly to aerial photographs, with high resolutions of 1m and 60 cm respectively. NASA Worldwind offers worldwide cover, at the cost of resolution. It can be faster and less time consuming than surface survey.

Advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) used to create maps of 'land surface temperature, reflectance, and elevation'. (to be investigated further for a greater understanding). We can thus see the impressive effect aerial methods can have on streamlining archaeological survey, and pushing the limits of what is possible.

In Homs, Syria we can see an interesting use of different types of satellite imagery in combination. The site is based in an area notorious for its difficulties surrounding archaeological survey, making it a perfect candidate for aerial reconnaissance. Issues involve, the diversity of terrain which can hide sites. Modern agriculture often obscures remains through practices such as deep ploughing (which removes many levees and low lying sites from the archaeological record). Furthermore, vegetation of different types/densities frequently disguises sites, impeding site visibility. The Homs projects combined the usage of CORONA, LANDSAT, IKONOS, and Quickbird imagery to observe "long term human and environmental interactions" and, more broadly, to assess the landscape, over an area of 630 km2 that had no prior database of remains or aerial photography. Through fieldwork, the different applications and abilities of these satellite imagery techniques were revealed, highlighting the importance of using multiple methods of archaeological investigation together. The LANDSAT imagery fell short when used for site detection and mapping, due to its lower resolution compared to Quickbird and IKONOS, but was most successful at characterising the environment and visualising rates of change. CORONA imagery successfully detected single period sites, which could not be detected by IKONOS. Furthermore, CORONA imagery assisted in exposing ancient field systems, and crop marks within fields, revealing early watercourses. In this instance, visual detection and interpretation of satellite imagery proved more useful than processing LANDSAT imagery. Through interpretation archaeological sites were identified as tells with low relief soil markings, "with remains ranging from small walls less than 1 m wide to large multi period settlements." The projects as a whole demonstrated how valuable aerial archaeology is to archaeological survey, especially across terrains where other techniques are not possible.