Abstract
The capabilities of satellite remote sensing technologies and their derived data for the analysis of archaeological sites have been demonstrated in a large variety of studies over the last decades. Likewise, the Earth Observation (EO) data contribute to the disaster management process through the provision of updated information for areas under investigation. In addition, long term studies may be performed for the in–depth analysis of the disaster–prone areas using archive satellite imagery and other cartographic materials. Hence, satellite remote sensing represents an essential tool for the study of hazards in cultural heritage sites and landscapes. Depending on the size of the archaeological sites and considering the fact that some parts of the site might be covered, the main concern regards the suitability of satellite data in terms of spatial and spectral resolution. Using a multi–temporal Sentinel–2 dataset between 2016 and 2019, the present study focuses on the hazard risk identification for the Micia and Germisara archaeological sites in Romania as they are endangered by industrialisation and major infrastructure works and soil erosion, respectively. Furthermore, the study includes a performance assessment of remote sensing vegetation indices for the detection of buried structures. The results clearly indicate that Sentinel–2 imagery proved to be fundamental in meeting the objectives of the study, particularly due to the extensive archaeological knowledge that was available for the cultural heritage sites. The main conclusion to be drawn is that satellite–derived products may be enhanced by integrating valuable archaeological context, especially when the resolution of satellite data is not ideally fitting the peculiarities (e.g., in terms of size, underground structures, type of coverage) of the investigated cultural heritage sites.
Highlights
The Earth Observation (EO) field is expanding at a fast pace, creating both new research opportunities and challenges [1]
The cultural identity is highly important for the local communities and valuable at global scale, the safeguarding of the cultural heritage sites is of utmost relevance
Three types of available data that enabled the reconstruction the Mures, riverbed were used, namely: (1) Romanian maps under the Lambert–Cholesky (1916–1959) projection system, at scale 1:20,000 dated 1926; (2) Corona image dated 17 August 1968; (3) Sentinel–2 multispectral imagery from 2018. Both the satellite images and the map were reprojected in the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) datum, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) zone 34N (EPSG: 32635) Coordinate Reference
Summary
The Earth Observation (EO) field is expanding at a fast pace, creating both new research opportunities and challenges [1]. The sectors that benefit from the information collected by the EO satellites include agriculture, forestry, environment and climate change, urban and regional planning, water management, construction, transport, energy and natural resources, disaster management, civil protection, safety, health, humanitarian aid, security and defence, cultural and natural heritage, tourism and others [2]. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration” [3]. The cultural identity is highly important for the local communities and valuable at global scale, the safeguarding of the cultural heritage sites is of utmost relevance. According to UNESCO, amongst others, the dangers that might be faced by the cultural heritage sites are represented by the physical deterioration of the materials, structure or natural environment as well as the impact of regional planning and climatic, bio–geomorphologic or other environmental factors [4]
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