Archaeology Term: Aerial Photography
archaeology/aerial-photography'>Aerial photography has revolutionized the field of archaeology by providing a unique bird's-eye view of landscapes and archaeological sites.
This technique involves capturing images of the Earth's surface from above, using various platforms such as airplanes, helicopters, drones, and satellites. By analyzing these images, archaeologists can identify, map, and interpret a wide range of archaeological features that may be difficult or impossible to detect from the ground.
One of the most significant advantages of aerial photography is its ability to reveal hidden patterns and structures that are often obscured by vegetation or soil. For example, ancient field systems, roads, and settlements can be more easily discerned from the air, particularly when viewed under specific lighting conditions. Cropmarks, which are subtle variations in crop growth caused by buried archaeological features, are a prime example of this phenomenon.
Another important application of aerial photography is in the documentation of archaeological sites. By capturing high-resolution images, researchers can create detailed records of sites before they are disturbed by excavation or development. This helps to preserve valuable information and enables future generations to study the site in its original context.
In recent years, advances in technology have led to the development of new aerial imaging techniques, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances to the ground, creating detailed digital elevation models that can reveal subtle topographic features, such as ancient earthworks and buried structures.
Aerial photography has become an indispensable tool for archaeologists, providing a powerful means of exploring the past and understanding the complex landscapes that our ancestors inhabited. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting discoveries to be made through the use of aerial imagery.
