ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on satellite remote sensing in archaeology mainly from a methodological perspective, but also through brief discussions of electromagnetic theory, sensor design and their resolutions. A generalized workflow introduces the major steps, namely Problem Definition, Data Acquisition, Pre-processing, Data Analysis, and Evaluation. In particular, Data Analysis visits key topics, such as panchromatic sharpening, classification, and feature detection. When detailing the workflow, references provide further guidance and information for interested readers on key topics, such as multi-spectral systems, atmospheric correction, and Rational Polynomial Coefficients (RPCs). Next, a case study on CORONA historical satellite imagery reveals the potentials of this system in archaeological research. The satellite imagery from CORONA is an invaluable source for archaeological landscapes prior to their destruction/modification due to urbanization, mechanized agriculture, and other modern changes. It can also be integrated with multi-spectral data so that its use can go beyond mapping and change detection. The chapter concludes with a critical reflection on the use of satellite systems in archaeology.
