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Evaluating CORONA: A case study in the Altai Republic (South Siberia)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2015

Wouter Gheyle ,
Raf Trommelmans ,
Jean Bourgeois ,
Rudi Goossens ,
Ignace Bourgeois ,
Alain De Wulf  and
Tom Willems
Wouter Gheyle
Affiliation:
Gheyle, Trommelmans, Bourgeois & Bourgeois, Ghent University, Department of Archaeology & Ancient History of Europe, Blandijnberg 2, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. (Email: wouter.gheyle@UGent.be)
Raf Trommelmans
Affiliation:
Gheyle, Trommelmans, Bourgeois & Bourgeois, Ghent University, Department of Archaeology & Ancient History of Europe, Blandijnberg 2, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. (Email: raftrommelmans@hotmail.com)
Jean Bourgeois
Affiliation:
Gheyle, Trommelmans, Bourgeois & Bourgeois, Ghent University, Department of Archaeology & Ancient History of Europe, Blandijnberg 2, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. (Email: jean.bourgeois@UGent.be)
Rudi Goossens
Affiliation:
Goossens & De Wulf, Ghent University, Department of Geography, Krijgslaan 281 S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. (Email: rudi.goossens@UGent.be)
Ignace Bourgeois
Affiliation:
Gheyle, Trommelmans, Bourgeois & Bourgeois, Ghent University, Department of Archaeology & Ancient History of Europe, Blandijnberg 2, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. (Email: ignace.bourgeois@UGent.be)
Alain De Wulf
Affiliation:
Goossens & De Wulf, Ghent University, Department of Geography, Krijgslaan 281 S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. (Email: alain.dewulf@UGent.be)
Tom Willems
Affiliation:
Willems, Ghent University, Department of Applied Mathematical and Computer Science, Krijgslaan 281 S9, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. (Email: tom.willems@UGent.be)
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Abstract

Satellite photographs, such as the CORONA series, are proving valuable instruments of archaeological reconnaissance, especially for landscapes that are relatively unknown or unprotected. Moreover, satellite imagery can be used for detailed mapping of remote areas, so that a topographic map or Digital Elevation Model can form the background for the archaeological information. However, images seen on the photographs may not be immediately recognisable as sites, and sites on the ground may escape detection from a satellite. In a current project in south Siberia the authors test the visibility of the one against the other.

Keywords

CORONA satellite imageryarchaeological survey methodsmappingDEMScytho-Siberian period
Type
Method
Information
Antiquity , Volume 78 , Issue 300 , June 2004 , pp. 391 - 403
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2004

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