APPLICATION OF SATELLITE DATA FOR ARCHAEOLOGY AND ARCHAEO-ASTRONOMY

ABSTRACT: The increasing resolution and precision of satellite data enables diverse, sometimes unexpected, applications. In many cases it is not necessary personally visit distant areas, even buy satellite data. Using Google Earth, there is possible to virtual visit sites and objects of our scientific interest. Google Earth has the potential to improve the visualization and dissemination of scientific data in many fields. Several examples of the use of Google Earth for archaeology and archaeo-astronomy and other studies of ancient civilizations such as using of other type of satellite data will be discussed in this paper. First part is focused on archaeo – astronomical research of many objects in Peru. In the Nasca desert plain, there are well known structures called geoglyphs. Nasca geoglyphs (lines) are now visible on Google Earth such as many historical objects or ruins. Using satellite data trough Google Erath we can relatively accurately determine astronomical orientation of pyramids and temples. So you can analyze hundreds of objects free of charge and without the cost of travel and equipment. Comprehensive view from the height in these cases is very advantageous. Second part discuses on using of digital elevation model derived from satellite data for archaeology. Digital elevation model can be used as a valuable source of archaeological information due to terrain signs. Digital elevation model in shaded form helps to find new archaeological digs. InSAR technology applied on Terra SAR data was used for interesting areas in Peru, optical stereo data set from Pleiades satellite was used for creating of digital terrain model for valuable archaeological areas in northern Iraq. 1