New Approaches to the Use and Integration of Multi-Sensor Remote Sensing for Historic Resource Identification and Evaluation

Abstract : This is the final report on a SERDP research project whose focus is the identification of specific combinations of remote sensors and data integration methods for the detection, identification, and interpretation of cultural resources in various environments and archaeological circumstances. The extensive suite of sensor technologies employed for this task include magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic conductivity, ground penetrating radar, aerial thermal infrared and high resolution multispectral satellite imagery. The results of the research illustrate the very substantive subsurface site characteristics that are discoverable from integrative methods used. Based on these results a dramatically clearer picture of the subsurface is realized, compared to traditional site evaluative methods. By more clearly imaging the totality of information about the subsurface from all sources, a better understanding of site content, structure, and organization may also be achieved.