Remote sensing and have revolutionized archaeological research in Southeast Asia. These technologies enable large-scale surveys and detection of hidden features, particularly valuable in densely forested regions where traditional methods struggle.
LiDAR's ability to penetrate forest canopies has led to groundbreaking discoveries, revealing extensive ancient landscapes and complex urban systems. Case studies like Wat and the Plain of Jars demonstrate how these tools are transforming our understanding of past civilizations in the region.
Principles of remote sensing
Remote sensing revolutionizes archaeological research in Southeast Asia by providing non-invasive methods to study ancient landscapes and structures
Enables large-scale surveys and detection of subtle surface features invisible to the naked eye
Particularly valuable in densely forested regions where traditional survey methods face limitations
Electromagnetic spectrum basics
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Electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of radiant energy, from radio waves to gamma rays
Visible light occupies a small portion of the spectrum (400-700 nanometers)
Remote sensing utilizes various portions of the spectrum to gather information about the Earth's surface
Different wavelengths interact uniquely with surface materials, providing diverse data (infrared for vegetation health, thermal for heat signatures)
Active vs passive sensors
Passive sensors detect naturally reflected or emitted energy from the Earth's surface
Include optical sensors that capture reflected sunlight (multispectral and hyperspectral cameras)
Active sensors emit their own energy and measure the reflected signal
LiDAR and radar systems exemplify active sensors, providing data independent of solar illumination
Active sensors offer advantages in cloudy conditions and nighttime operations
Spatial and spectral resolution
Spatial resolution refers to the smallest detectable feature size in an image
Measured in ground sampling distance (GSD), typically ranges from centimeters to kilometers
High spatial resolution crucial for detecting small archaeological features (building foundations, ancient field systems)
Spectral resolution indicates the number and width of spectral bands a sensor can detect
Multispectral sensors capture 3-10 broad bands, while hyperspectral sensors collect hundreds of narrow bands
Higher spectral resolution allows for more detailed material identification and analysis
LiDAR technology overview
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) emerges as a game-changing technology in Southeast Asian archaeology
Enables creation of high-resolution 3D models of landscapes, revealing hidden archaeological features
Particularly effective in densely vegetated areas where traditional survey methods struggle
LiDAR system components
Laser scanner emits rapid pulses of light, typically in the near-infrared spectrum
Sensor measures the time it takes for each pulse to return after reflecting off surfaces
Global Positioning System (GPS) tracks the precise location of the LiDAR unit
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) records the orientation and movement of the system
Onboard computer processes and stores the collected data
Software integrates all components to generate accurate 3D point clouds
Airborne vs terrestrial LiDAR
Airborne LiDAR mounted on aircraft or drones, covers large areas quickly
Ideal for regional-scale surveys and mapping inaccessible terrain
Penetrates forest canopies to reveal ground features in vegetated areas
Terrestrial LiDAR operates from a fixed ground position or mobile platform
Provides higher resolution data for detailed mapping of structures and excavation sites
Useful for creating 3D models of individual archaeological features or buildings
Point cloud data generation
LiDAR systems generate point clouds, consisting of millions of individual 3D data points
Each point contains X, Y, Z coordinates and often additional attributes (intensity, return number)
Multiple returns from a single pulse allow for vegetation filtering and ground surface extraction
Point density varies based on sensor capabilities and survey parameters
High-density point clouds enable creation of detailed (DTMs) and (DSMs)
Remote sensing in archaeology
Remote sensing techniques transform archaeological practices in Southeast Asia
Allow for rapid, large-scale surveys of complex landscapes
Provide crucial data for site discovery, , and cultural heritage management
Site detection techniques
Multispectral imagery analysis reveals crop and soil marks indicative of buried features
detects temperature differences caused by subsurface structures
(SAR) penetrates soil and vegetation to reveal buried features