ABOUT ARCHAEOLOGY

1. ABOUT THE PROJECT • This project examines new analytical tools for the processing and integration of multi-instrument remotely sensed data for the recovery of detailed information about sub-surface archeological content. • The project combines high-resolution sensors using technologies that are: • Ground-based geophysical (magnetometry, resistivity, conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, ground penetrating radar). • Aerial (thermal, panchromatic, multi-spectral). • Space-based (panchromatic, multi-spectral). • GIS-based data fusion methods will mix contextual with multiple-layer statistical patterns to enhance results for superior visualization of complex, high-dimensional data sets. • Time and labor associated with traditional archeological surveys and excavations can be decreased. • Significant cost reductions can be realized. ABOUT ARCHAEOLOGY Artifacts--Usually not readily detected by remote sensing owing to their small size. Soil changes—Variable, may be detected by some remote sensing methods. Architecture—The principle target for archaeological remote sensing. ABOUT REMOTE SENSING FROM THE AIR FROM SPACE Thermal PanchromaticMulti-spectral PanchromaticMulti-spectral ON THE GROUND ABOUT THE SITES • Secondary Sites • Mount Comfort, ARsmall historic church (AD 1840s-1863) • Whistling Elk, SDfortified village (ca. 1300) In order to assess remote sensing capabilities under variable conditions a range of prehistoric and historic archaeological sites in a variety of environments from throughout the country are examined. • Primary Sites • Army City at Fort Riley, KSWWI era commercial complex (AD 1917-1921) • Escondido Pueblo at Fort Bliss, NMwalled adobe pueblo (AD 1200-1400) • Kasita Town at Fort Benning, GAlarge habitation site (AD 1625-1835) • Silver Bluff Plantation, SClarge antebellum plantation (AD 1740-1790)