Aerial photography

Definition

Aerial photography is the technique of taking photographs of the ground from an elevated position, often using drones or aircraft. This method is crucial for archaeologists as it allows them to capture large areas of land and identify potential archaeological sites through patterns that may not be visible from the ground. Aerial photography enhances our understanding of landscape features and site distributions, providing a broader context for archaeological investigations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aerial photography can reveal subtle earthworks and structures that are otherwise hidden under vegetation or soil.
2. It provides a means of documenting the extent and layout of archaeological sites without the need for extensive ground disturbance.
3. This technique is particularly useful in detecting ancient agricultural fields, roads, and other landscape modifications.
4. Aerial photographs can be taken at various times and seasons to reveal different features, like crop marks that appear when crops grow differently over buried structures.
5. High-resolution aerial images can be integrated into GIS platforms for further analysis and interpretation of archaeological landscapes.

Review Questions

• How does aerial photography improve the identification of archaeological sites compared to traditional ground surveys?
  • Aerial photography enhances the identification of archaeological sites by allowing researchers to observe large areas from above, revealing patterns and features that may not be visible at ground level. This method captures subtle changes in vegetation and soil that indicate past human activity, such as earthworks or old agricultural fields. Traditional ground surveys are more time-consuming and may miss these features due to vegetation cover or terrain obstructions.
• Discuss how aerial photography can be combined with GIS technology to enhance archaeological research.
  • Aerial photography can be integrated with GIS technology to create detailed maps that include spatial data about archaeological sites. By layering aerial images with geographic information, researchers can analyze relationships between different sites and understand their distributions within a landscape. This combination allows for more sophisticated interpretations of how ancient cultures interacted with their environment and facilitates better planning for excavation and preservation efforts.
• Evaluate the impact of advancements in drone technology on the practice of aerial photography in archaeology.
  • Advancements in drone technology have revolutionized aerial photography in archaeology by providing high-resolution images at lower costs and greater accessibility. Drones can fly at lower altitudes and be programmed for specific flight paths, allowing for detailed surveys that were previously time-consuming or expensive with manned aircraft. This has led to a surge in data collection, enabling archaeologists to document changes over time, monitor ongoing excavations, and identify new sites with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

Related terms

Remote Sensing: The acquisition of information about an object or area from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial imagery.

Geographic Information System (GIS): A system designed to capture, store, analyze, and manage spatial or geographic data, often used in conjunction with aerial photography for mapping and analysis.

Site Survey: A method of systematically examining an area to identify and record archaeological sites, often utilizing aerial photography to aid in the process.