Additional Information

Language

English

Source Type

Book Chapter

Notes

Chapter abstract:

Remote sensing in archaeology should not be considered from the sole perspective of archaeological site location. Studying any features and landscape changes from space necessitates a broader perspective, and one that addresses long-term issues with global implications. “Preserve the past for future generations” is an oft-repeated message in archaeology, yet how does remote sensing fit into longer-term planning for site and feature preservation? It is a difficult question to address, especially considering how remote sensing has become a public activity with global participation possibilities. As remote sensing is at a crossroads of many fields and subfields, remote sensing analysis can detect the effects of tourism, development, and global warming at archaeological sites around the world. Natural and non-natural factors affect archaeological site preservation simultaneously. Archaeological remote sensing can detect both of these factors in tandem so archaeologists can plan future management strategies. This is not an easy task, and is becoming more difficult with rapid globalization, thus necessitating alternative strategies that should include local remote sensing training initiatives and better data sharing practices.

Additional tags: ethics of remote sensing; globalization; development; climate change; education; Google Earth; heritage management

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Employers and Clients
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
• Integrity of Research Methodology
• Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation

CIfA Codes

• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
• Principle 3: Responsibility for acquiring and recording reliable information of the past in archaeological research
• Principle 4: Responsibility for the availability of archaeological results within reasonable dispatch

Keywords & Terms

• Anti-Commercialization
• Conservation
• Environmental Impact and Issues
• Looting, Collecting, and Illicit Trade of Cultural Property
• Preservation of Archaeological Resources
• Protection and Non-Disclosure of Archaeological Sites
• Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups

Topics & Issues

• Climate Change
• Conservation and Ethics
• Development vs. Conservation
• Ethical Case Studies
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Heritage Management
• Professionalism and Professional Standards
• Public Engagement, Outreach, and Education
• Technology