Use of geospatial techniques in maritime archaeology with reference to the Tamil Nadu coast

Geospatial analysis of shoreline changes at a particular place includes topographic sheets, satellite imageries and field data. The remains of maritime activities along the Indian coast have been traced dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. Subsequently, due to shoreline changes, many past habitations have been submerged in the sea or located far in the hinterland. Archaeological sites play a major role in determining palaeo-shoreline. The present article discusses the use of geospatial techniques in determining ancient coastal habitations along the Tamil Nadu region of the Indian coast.