Satellite-based recognition of landscape archaeological features related to ancient human transformation

Abstract

This paper deals with the use of QuickBird images for the identification of features linked to ancient transformations, the landscape induced by human activities. The methodological approach adopted for the identification of these features is mainly based on the use of data fusion and edge detection. The data fusion enabled the integration of the high spatial resolution of the panchromatic image with the spectral capability of multispectral images, thus allowing us to achieve improved capabilities that are not possible solely using the individual datasets. The use of edge detection enhanced the spatial feature, thus facilitating their identification. The investigation was performed on Metaponto, one of the most important archaeological sites in the south of Italy. The analysis focused on the identification of ancient land divisions related to the Greek colonization age. The obtained results showed that the use of QuickBird images enables the detection of the archaeological features linked to buried remains with a high level of detail.