Aerial photography

Definition

Aerial photography is the practice of taking photographs from an elevated position, typically using aircraft, drones, or satellites, to capture images of the Earth's surface. This technique is crucial in archaeology for revealing patterns and features that may not be visible from the ground, enhancing understanding of sites and their contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aerial photography can help identify archaeological features such as buried structures, roads, or ancient fields by highlighting differences in vegetation or soil color.
2. The development of drones has significantly improved the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of aerial photography in archaeological research.
3. Photographs taken from high altitudes can cover large areas quickly, making it easier to locate potential sites for further investigation.
4. Aerial imagery is often used in combination with ground surveys to create a more comprehensive understanding of an archaeological landscape.
5. Historical aerial photographs can provide valuable insights into changes in land use and settlement patterns over time, contributing to the study of long-term human-environment interactions.

Review Questions

• How does aerial photography enhance the understanding of archaeological sites compared to traditional ground-based methods?
  • Aerial photography offers a unique perspective that allows archaeologists to identify patterns and features that might be overlooked when viewed from the ground. By capturing images from above, it can reveal structural layouts, site boundaries, and environmental relationships that provide context for archaeological findings. This aerial view helps in planning excavations and making informed decisions about where to focus fieldwork efforts.
• Discuss the role of technology in advancing aerial photography for archaeological purposes.
  • The advent of drones and improved satellite imaging technology has revolutionized aerial photography in archaeology. These advancements have made it more affordable and accessible for researchers to capture high-resolution images over vast areas. Additionally, technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow archaeologists to analyze these images in conjunction with other data, leading to better interpretations of sites and landscapes.
• Evaluate the impact of historical aerial photography on contemporary archaeological practices and the interpretation of past human behaviors.
  • Historical aerial photography provides a valuable resource for contemporary archaeologists by documenting changes in land use and settlement patterns over time. By comparing past aerial images with current data, researchers can analyze how human behaviors have evolved and how these changes relate to broader social, economic, or environmental factors. This comparative approach enriches our understanding of human history and informs current archaeological methodologies, making it possible to track long-term trends in civilization.

Related terms

Remote Sensing: The use of satellite or airborne sensor technologies to collect information about the Earth's surface without making physical contact.

Site Survey: The systematic examination of an archaeological site to identify and record its features and artifacts, often enhanced by aerial imagery.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A system that captures, stores, analyzes, and manages spatial and geographic data, often incorporating aerial photographs for mapping and analysis.