Skip to main content

Imaging Radar in Archaeological Investigations: An Image Processing Perspective

  • Chapter
Remote Sensing in Archaeology

Abstract

This paper provides a survey of the various ways researchers have used radar imagery in their particular studies. The early studies were usually limited to single-band (gray-scale) imagery because little else was available in the public domain. In the past few years, multi-polar, multi-frequency radar imagery has become available on an experimental basis (SIR-C and AirSAR). This development has increased the information content of the available data, but extracting and understanding this information content is not simple. In addition, radar images have significant radiometric and geometric distortions that must be addressed, but often are not.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdelsalam, M., Robinson, C., El-Baz, F., and Stern, R., 2000, Applications of Orbital Imaging Radar for Geologic Studies in Arid Regions: The Sharan Testimony. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing 66 (6):717–726.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, R., 1980, Swamps, Canals, and the Locations of Ancient Maya Cities. Antiquity LIV:206–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, R., 1982, Ancient Maya Canals. Archaeology (November/December):28–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, R., Brown, W., and Culbert, T., 1981, Radar Mapping, Archeology, and Ancient Maya Land Use. Science 213:1457–1463.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, R., 1929, Ends of the Earth. Garden City Publishing. New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berlin, G., Tarabzouni, M., Al-Naser, A., Sheikho, K., and Larson, R., 1986, SIR-B Subsurface Imaging of a Sand-Buried Landscape: Al Labbah Plateau, Saudi Arabia. IEEE Transactions on GeoScience and Remote Sensing GE-24 (4):595–601.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blom, R., Clapp, N., Zarins, J., and Hedges, G., 1997, Space Technology And The Discovery Of The Lost City Of Ubar. Paper read at IEEE Aerospace Conf. February 1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blom, R., Crippen, R., and Elachi, C., 1984, Detection of Subsurface Features in SEASAT Radar Images of Means Valley, Mojave Desert, California. Geology 12:346–349.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boerner, Wolfgang-Martin, Mott, H., Lunebug, E., Livingstone, C., Brisco, B., Brown, R., and Paterson, J., 1998, Polarimetry in Radar Remote Sensing: Basic and Applied Concepts. In Principles and Applications of Imaging Radar, Manual of Remote Sensing (Third Edition), Vol.2, , edited by F. M. Henderson and A. J. Lewis pp. 769–777. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cloude, S. R., and Pottier, E., 1996, A Review of Target Decomposition Theorms in Radar Polarimetry.” IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing GE-34 (2):498–518.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cloude, S. R., and Pottier, E., 1997, An Entropy Based Classification Scheme for Land Applications of Polarimetric SAR.” IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing GE-35 (1):68–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conyers, L. B., and Goodman, D. 1997. Ground-Penetrating Radar: An Introduction for Archaeologists. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, F.A., 1997, Applications of Geophysics in Gemstone Exploration. Gems and Gemology, Spring:4–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crippen, R., 1988, The Dangers of Underestimating the Importance of Data Adjustments in Band Rationing. International Journal of Remote Sensing 9 (4):767–776.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crippen, R., 1991, The Iterative Ratioing Method of Determining Atmospheric Corrections for Scenes with Rugged Terrain. Unpublished.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dainty, J., 1980, An Introduction to Speckle. Proceedings of the Society of Photo Optical Instrument Engineers 243:243–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, P. C., van Zyl, J., and Engman, T., 1995. Measuring Moisture with Imaging Radars. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing 33(4):915–926.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durden, S., Freeman, A., Klein, J., Oren, R., Vane, G., Zebker, H., and Zimmermann, R., 1991, Polarimetric Radar Measurements of a Tropical Rainforest. Proceeding of the 3$rd$ AIRSAR Workshop, JPL Publication 91–30. pp. 223–229.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elachi, C., Roth, L., and Schaber, G., 1984, Spaceborne Radar Subsurface Imaging in Hyperarid Regions. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing GE-22(4):383–387.

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Baz, F., 1997, Space Age Archaeology. Scientific American 277(2):40–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El-Baz, F., 1998, Groundwater Concentration Beneath Sand Fields in the Western Desert of Egypt: Indications by Radar Images from Space. Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing & Space Sciences 1:1–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, D. L., Farr, T. G., Van Zyl, J. J., and Zebker, H., 1988, Radar Polarimetry: Analysis Tools and Applications. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing 26(6):774–789.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, D. L., Stofan, E.R., Jones, T.D., and Godwin, L.M. 1994, Earth from Sky. Scientific American (December) 271(6):70–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farr, T. G., and Chadwick, O. A., 1996, Geomorphic processes and remote sensing signatures of alluvial fans in the Kun Lun Mountains, China. Journal of Geophysical Research 101:23,091–23,100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, A., and Durden, S. L., 1992, A Three-component scattering model to describe Polarimetric SAR data. Radar Polarimetry, pp. 213–225. SPIE-1748.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, A., and Durden, S. L., 1998, A Three-component scattering model for Polarimetric SAR data. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing 36:963–973.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, A., Hensley, S., and Moore, E., 1998, Radar imaging methodologies for archaeology: Angkor, Cambodia. Paper read at Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeology, at Boston University, Department of Archaeology and Remote Sensing Center, 11–19 April.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, J. P., Cimino, J. B., and Elachi, C., 1983, Space Shuttle Columbia Views the World With Imaging Radar: the SAR-A Experiment. JPL Publications 82–95, Pasadena, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, J. P., Blom, R. G., and Crisp, J. A., Elachi, C., Farr, T. G., Saunders, R. S., Theilig, E. E., Wall, S. D., and Yewell, S. B.,1989, Spaceborne Radar Observations: A Guide for Magellan Radar-Image Analysis. JPL Publications 89–41, Pasadena, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fung, A. K., and Ulaby, F. T., 1983, Matter-Energy Interaction in the Microwave Region. In Manual of Remote Sensing (Second Edition), edited by R. N. Colwell, Vol. 1, pp. 115–164. American Society of Photogrammetry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillespie, A., 1980, Digital Techniques of Image Enhancement. edited by B. Siegal and A. Gillespie. Remote Sensing in Geology, John Wiley & Sons, New York.pp. 127–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hedin, S., 1940, Wandering Lake. E. H. Dutton and Co., New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W., 1992, Shuttle Imaging Radar and Archaeological Survey in China’s Taklamakan Desert. Journal of Field Archaeology 19:129–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W., 1995, Archaeological Applications of SIR-C Imaging Radar. In Research Center for Silk Roadology, Nara, Japan,Silk Roadology 1; Space Archaeology(1):83–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W., 1996, Radar Archaeology: Space Age Tools Aid in Uncovering the Past. Earth Observation Magazine (September):22–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W., 1998a, Applications of Imaging Radar to Archaeological Research. edited by F. M. Henderson and A. J. Lewis, In Principles and Applications of Imaging Radar, Manual of Remote Sensing (Third Edition), John Wiley & Sons, New York.Vol.2, pp. 769–777.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W., 1998b, Radar Archaeology in Arid Regions. Paper read at Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeology, at Boston University Department of Archaeology and Remote Sensing Center, 11–19 April.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W. 1998c, Progress Report 1 Feb–31 April, 1998. NASA Contract No. NASW-96011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W. 1999a, Progress Report 1 May–31 July, 1999. NASA Contract No. NASW-96011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W., 1999b, Orthoradar Accuracy Evaluation. Leica Geosystems, Unpublished Report, available on request.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holcomb, D. W., 2001, Imaging Radar and Archaeological Survey: An Example from the Gobi Desert of Southern Mongolia. Journal of Field Archaeology 28(1-2):131–141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J. S., Jurkevich, I., Dewaele, P., Wambacq, P., and Oosterlinck, A., 1994, Speckle Filtering of Synthetic Aperture Radar Images: A Review. Remote Sensing Reviews 8:313–340.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leica Geosystems, 2003, ERDAS IMAGINE Field Guide. 7th edn. Atlanta: Leica Geosystems GIS & Mapping, LLC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lillesand, T. M., and Kiefer, R. W., 2000, Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madsen, S. N. and Zebker, H. A., 1998, Imaging Radar Interferometry. edited by F. M. Henderson and A. J. Lewis, In Principles and Applications of Imaging Radar, Manual of Remote Sensing (Third Edition), John Wiley & Sons, New York.Vol.2, pp. 359–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCauley, J. F., Breed, C. S., Schaber, G. G., McHugh, W. P., Issawi, B., Haynes, C. V., Grolier, M. J., and Kilani, A. E., 1986, Paleodrainages of the Eastern Sahara–The Radar Rivers Revisited. IEEE Transactions on GeoScience and Remote Sensing GE-24 (4):624–647.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCauley, J. F., Schaber, G. G., Breed, C. S., Grolier, M. J., Haynes, C. V., Issawi, B., Elachi, C., and Blom, R., 1982, Subsurface Valleys and Geoarchaeology of the Eastern Sahara Revealed by Shuttle Radar. Science 218 (3):1004–1020.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McHugh, W. P., McCauley, J. F., Haynes, C. V., Breed, C. S., and Schaber, G. G., 1988, Paleorivers and Geoarchaeology in the Southern Egyptian Sahara. Geoarchaeology 3 (1):1–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McHugh, W. P., Schaber, G. G., Breed, C. S., and McCauley, J. F., 1989, Neolithic Adaptation and the Holocene Functioning of Tertiary Paleodrainages in Southern Egypt and Northern Sudan. Antiquity 63:320–336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moik, J. G., 1980. Digital Processing of Remotely Sensed Images. NASA SP-431.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E., 1997, The East Baray: Khmer Water Management at Angkor. Journal of Southeast Asian Architecture 1:91–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E., 2000, Angkor Water Management, Radar Imaging and the Emergence of Urban Centres. Journal of Sophia Asian Studies 18:39–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E. H., and Freeman, A., 1996, The application of microwave scattering mechanism to the study of early Ankorean water Management. Paper read at European Association of Southeast Asian Archaeologists,$6th$ International Conference, Leiden, p. 1–13.http://southport.jpl.nasa.gov/reports/finrpt/

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E. H., and Freeman, A., 1998, Circular Sites at Angkor: A Radar Scattering Model. Journal of the Siam Society 85 (1&2):107–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E., Freeman, A., and Hensley, S., 1998, Beyond Angkor: Ancient Habitation in Northwest Cambodia. Paper read at Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeology, Boston University Department of Archaeology and Remote Sensing Center, 11–19 April.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E., Freeman, A., and Hensley, S., 1999, Angkor AIRSAR: Water Control and Conservation at Angkor. Paper read at NASA/JPL PacRim Significant Results Workshop, Maui, Hawaii.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E., Freeman, A., and Hensley, S., 1998, The NASA/JPL AIRSAR Mosaic of Angkor: A tribute to Bernard P.Groslier. Unpublished Manuscript.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, E., Freeman, T., and Hensley, S., 2006, Spaceborne and Airborne Radar at Angkor: Introducing New Technology to the Ancient Site. This volume.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olsen, J. W., 1998, The Paleolithic Prehistory of the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. National Geographic Society Grant #6174-98.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Neill, T. O., 1993, New Sensors Eye the Rain Forest. National Geographic Magazine (September):118–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, L. A., Windley, B. F., Cunningham, W. D., Badamgarav, J. and Dorjnamjaa, 1997. Quaternary Alluvial Fans in the Gobi of Southern Mongolia: Evidence for neotechtonics and Climate Change. Journal of Quaternary Science 12(3):239–252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pope, K. O., and Dahlin, B. H., 1989, Ancient Maya Wetland Agriculture: New Insights from Ecological and Remote Sensing Research. Journal of Field Archaeology 16:87–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pope, K. O., and Dahlin, B. H., 1993, Radar Detection and Ecology of Ancient Maya Canal Systems–Reply to Adams et al. Journal of Field Archaeology 20:379–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pope, K. O., Rey-Benayas, J. M., and Paris, J. F., 1994, Radar Remote Sensing of Forest and Wetland Ecosystems in the Central American Tropics. Remote Sensing of the Environment 48:205–219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, C. A., 1998, Potential And Applications Of Radar Data In Egypt. Egypt. Jour. Remote Sensing & Space Sciences V.I:25–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roth, L. E., and Elachi, C., 1975, Coherent Electromagnetic Losses by Scattering from Volume Inhomogeneities. IEEE Transactions, Antennas and Propagation 23:674–675.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabins, F. F., 1997, Remote Sensing: Principles And Interpretation. Freeman, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaber, G. G., McCauley, J. F., Breed, C. S., and Olhoeft, G. R., 1986, Shuttle Imaging Radar: Physical Controls on Signal Penetration and Subsurface Scattering in the Eastern Sahara. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing GE-24(4):603–622.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sever, T.L., 1998, Validating Prehistoric and Current Social Phenomena upon the Landscape of the Peten, Guatemala. edited by D. Liverman, E.F. Moran, R. R. Rindfuss, and P. C. Stern, it People and Pixels, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.pp. 145–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sever, T.L., and Irwin, D.E., 2003, Remote-sensing Investigation of the Ancient Maya in the Peten Rainforest of Northern Guatemala. Ancient Mesoamerica 14:113–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siemens, A. H., and Puleston, D. E., 1972, Ridged Fields and Associated Features in Southern Campeche: New Perspectives on the Lowland Maya. American Antiquity 37:228–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singhroy, V. and St. Jean, R., 1999, Effects of Relief on the Selection of RADARSAT Incidence Angle for Geological Applications. Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing 25(3):211–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulaby, F., Held, D., Dobson, M., McDonald, K., and Senior, T., 1987, Relating Polarization Phase Difference of SAR Signals to Scene Properties. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing GE-25(1):83–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Zyl, J., 1989, Unsupervised Classification of Scattering Behavior Using Radar Polarimetry Data. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing GE-27(1):36–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verstappen, H. T., 1977, Remote Sensing in Geomorphology. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, A. S., Olsen, J. W., and Bagen, 1987, The Badain Jaran Desert: Remote Sensing Investigations. The Geographical Journal 153:205–210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S. J., 1985, Comparative Archaeological and Geographic Research on Certain Historical Questions of Loulan Region [in Chinese]. Western Frontier History Discussions 2:269–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wendorf, F., Close, A. E., and Schild, R., 1987, A Survey of the Egyptian Radar Channels: An Example of Applied Archaeology. Journal of Field Archaeology 14:43–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, R. J., 1992, In Search of a Legend–The Lost City. Point of Beginning, 1992 Data Collector Survey 17 (6):10.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2006 Springer

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Holcomb, D.W., Shingiray, I.L. (2006). Imaging Radar in Archaeological Investigations: An Image Processing Perspective. In: Wiseman, J., El-Baz, F. (eds) Remote Sensing in Archaeology. Interdisciplinary Contributions To Archaeology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-44455-6_1

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics