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Evaluation of Corona and Ikonos high resolution satellite imagery for archaeological prospection in western Syria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Anthony Beck ,
Graham Philip ,
Maamoun Abdulkarim  and
Daniel Donoghue
Anthony Beck
Affiliation:
1Department of Archaeology, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK (Email: a.r.beck@ durham.ac.uk; [email protected])
Graham Philip
Affiliation:
2Department of History and Archaeology, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
Maamoun Abdulkarim
Affiliation:
2Department of History and Archaeology, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
Daniel Donoghue
Affiliation:
3Department of Geography, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK (Email: [email protected])
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Extract

Satellite surveys in Syria have made use of imagery recorded some 30 years apart. By comparing the earlier pictures (Corona) with the later (Ikonos), sites captured on the former can be accurately located by the latter. The comparison also reveals the stark implications for archaeology as large parts of west Asian landscape change from a state of ‘benign neglect’ to active redevelopment. Based on their experience in the Homs survey, the authors have important advice to offer in the design and costing of surveys using satellite imagery.

Keywords

satellite surveywestern AsiaNear EastCoronaIkonostell settlementsfield systemsarchaeological resource management
Type
Method
Information
Antiquity , Volume 81 , Issue 311 , 1 March 2007 , pp. 161 - 175
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2007

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