ABSTRACT
Once archaeologists have obtained suitable satellite imagery, the next logical step is imagery analysis.Without taking an introductory remote sensing orGIS course (through a university or an online course, see https://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/), and without access to commercial or free remote sensing and GIS programs, it will not be possible to use many of the techniques to be discussed in this chapter. However, visual identification techniqueswill be discussed, aswell aswhat can be seenwith basic imagery enhancement. A project may already have a remote sensing specialist. If so, then this chapter will help the remote sensing specialist choose appropriate techniques of analysis and will assist archaeological teams in understanding how different remote sensing methods work on ancient sites and features, seen in Table 4.1. Students may find that the discussion of techniques can aid in their project work. As so much of the world remains to be analyzed from the perspective of satellite archaeology, trying as many analytical techniques as possible (within a feasibile timeframe) may be a good choice. One will not know the techniques that will work best, given the variables affecting imagery interpretation. This includes weather, anthropomorphic factors, as well as image spectral, spatial, and temporal factors (Figures 4.1a and 4.1b).
