Theme:
2. Archaeological Sciences, Humanities and the Digital era: Bridging the Gaps
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
Remote Sensing of the Changing Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa Region
Content:
Landscapes of the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa (MedMENA) region are characterised by both long-term processes and transformative events, often across large scales. The bird’s eye view offered by remote sensing as well as increasingly powerful computing options and algorithms are now allowing these landscapes to be digitally modelled and investigated. Spaceborne and aerial data including optical imagery, SAR and Lidar are used by many studies to locate previously unknown sites, characterise landscapes and model past land use. Due to the wide global and temporal coverage offered by some of these datasets, monitoring and mapping for heritage management purposes is also increasingly undertaken. Open-source software (e.g. QGIS, Google Earth Engine) and datasets such as Copernicus facilitate comprehensive and democratic uptake of remote sensing applications in archaeology, while high resolution sensors allow detailed and focused analyses. Integration of historical datasets such as declassified imagery stretches back possibilities with time series and can often lead to capture of now-destroyed features.
The MedMENA region now faces significant challenges including climate change, pressures on resources and conflict. These threaten both the survival of archaeological sites and the traditional productive landscapes which have developed over long periods of time. Remote sensing technologies offer some degree of mitigation through preservation by recording as well as demonstration of the functioning and complexities of long-term land use which could inform future adaptation strategies.
This session therefore welcomes papers showcasing the contribution that remote sensing, machine learning, historical imagery and maps currently provide to unveil the impacts of such environmental and anthropogenic changes and challenges. Presentation of outcomes from regional to local scale archaeological studies is also encouraged.
Keywords:
Remote sensing, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, anthropogenic change, environmental change
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:
Main organiser:
Louise Rayne (United Kingdom) 1
Co-organisers:
Francesca Cigna (Italy) 2
Deodato Tapete (Italy) 3
Affiliations:
1. Newcastle University
2. CNR (National Research Council)
3. ASI (Italian Space Agency)
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