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Remote Sensing Methods and the Future of Archaeology

The future of archaeological discovery is to be found beneath the ground. While there are plenty of surface structures still waiting to be explored and understood, the majority of what remains of our history is buried under sand, soil or silt. To find it, we must be able to ‘see’ through these barriers.

Today there are many types of non-invasive technology for the detection of previously unknown chambers, tunnels or complexes of historic significance. From ground based equipment, to aerial or even satellite data collection, the Archaeological Rescue Foundation methodology incorporates all the most state of the art techniques to target and pinpoint subterranean monuments of great importance.

Below is a simple overview of the process, as well as each of the various detection methods and how they can each help in specific circumstances. They can all be referred to as ‘remote sensing’ techniques, as they are all methods of detecting from a distance, and without causing any damage to the site whatsoever.

1: Research

As each of the board members of the Archaeological Rescue Foundation have spent at least 20 years in independent investigations, studying and seeking on the ground clues as to where the most ancient relics of humankind might be found, we are deeply connected into the growing community of archaeological research, and well aware of the most significant locations of promise, globally. This preliminary research is used to prioritize the sites of greatest potential significance as well as those that are at greatest risk of destruction.

2: Snap shot

Satellite based technology such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is one method that allows us to peer below any archaeological site on Earth from space. It can be done without on site access or permits required, and it can provide at least a rough image of any structures below ground, even to depths of several kilometers. The accuracy and resolution is improving day by day. If we can scan a site that we believe may contain a subterranean complex, SAR data can tell us if we’re right. For this reason, we are working with experts in the field, on a plan to systematically scan the world’s most important archaeological sites.

3. Closer view

In some cases, especially if a site is covered in a jungle environment under thick canopies of trees, aerial or satellite based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) can be very useful. This method can not penetrate below the ground, but it can show us ground structures through thick growth, and has been used to find thousands of pyramids, temples and cities, for instance, in Guatemala and Mexico.

Some forms of infrared, multi-spectral or thermal scanning can also be done from aircraft or drones, and this can provide significant information as well.

3: Ground based scans

The next step involves the planning of an on-site mission, in cooperation with the local government or national department of culture or antiquities. This involves partnering with a museum or university as well, and raising the funding. Once on site, ground based remote sensing will be used including:

  1. Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)
    • Although it requires ground contact, it is non-invasive (no digging).
    • Excellent for detecting walls, tombs, roads, graves, etc.
  2. Magnetometry (Gradiometry)
    • Measures tiny variations in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by buried ditches, walls, kilns, hearths.
    • Fast, high-resolution surveys (fluxgate, cesium, Overhauser, SQUID systems).
  3. Electrical Resistivity & Conductivity (EMI)
    • Resistivity (twin-probe, Wenner, dipole-dipole arrays)
    • Electromagnetic induction (Slingram instruments such as CMD Explorer, GF Instruments, etc.)
    • Good for stone walls, roads, ditches, moisture differences.
  4. Magnetic Susceptibility (field and lab)
    • Quick survey tool to map enhanced soils (settlements, middens).
  5. Thermal/Infrared Thermography
    • Passive (dawn/dusk aerial or drone thermal cameras)
    • Active (heating the ground and recording cooling rates)
    • Detects stone structures and voids under certain conditions.
  6. Acoustic/Seismic Methods
    • Rarely used on land, but sub-bottom profilers and marine sidescan/multibeam sonar are standard for underwater archaeology (shipwrecks, submerged landscapes).
  7. Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Photogrammetry from Drones & Kites/Balloons
    • Produces ultra-high-resolution 3D models and orthophotos; often combined with multispectral data.
  8. Hyperspectral Imaging
    • Hundreds of narrow spectral bands; can detect subtle vegetation stress and mineral changes linked to buried features.

Any combination of these methods may be used to determine the size, shape and location of a subsurface structure. If patterns of geometric forms can be found, such as 90 degree angles, perfect circles, or flat parallel surfaces, it can be reasonably determined that the structure is man made.

Additionally, the initial on site investigation will seek to assess any threats, natural or otherwise, that could be damaging to the site, and highlight any actions that must be taken for its preservation.

4. Excavation, preservation and recovery

The final stage, if manmade voids are clearly found and accessible in ways that do not damage the site, is excavation. We will carefully access the structures and fully document their interiors, creating a complete photogrammetric model, before a single artifact is touched. Using 360 degree cameras, multi spectral imaging and precise laser measurements, we will virtually reconstruct the sites, which can then be studied by anyone, anywhere.

Excavations and explorations will last as long as they need to, to ensure that we have found all that can be found, and upon the completion of a project, we will aim to ensure that locals managing the site are properly equipped to maintain and preserve it, and that all the artifacts can be properly catalogued and remain in public view.

This method can be gradually applied to all the most important artifact repositories still in tact throughout the world, dependent only on how much funding we can raise.

Our primary focus is currently on the Giza Plateau and the Hawara Labyrinth in Egypt, but our scope is global, and the list of sites that badly need our assistance is very long, and ever growing. We believe that the results of our first projects will catch the world’s attention and highlight the need for further ‘rescu-vations’ in the future.

For far too long, we have been losing treasures of history to countless factors, not the least of which, is the global black market, which threatens to siphon off all artifacts of priceless value into private hands, never to be seen by the public again. We can not stand by and allow this to occur, so we will always work to save what still remains. By the process outlined above, we plan to systematically rescue the most important cultural heritage sites and artifacts on Earth.