Archaeological remote sensing application pre-post war situation of Babylon archaeological site - Iraq

Paper number

IAC-06-B1.4.01

Author

Dr. Munzer Jahjah, Centro di Ricerca Progetto San Marco (C.R.P.S.M.), Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Carlo Ulivieri, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Antonio Invernizzi, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Roberto Parapetti, Italy

Year

2006

Abstract

The first basic step in obtaining a correct geographical knowledge and initiative for archaeological cartography analysis is an adequately geo-localized representation of natural and semi-natural resources and human activities, present and past. The problems of non-adequate management of the territory, afflicting the Iraqi archaeology, are almost always due to lack of an adequate environmental information.

In this context, the correct and contextual evaluation of the resources through the use of integrated techniques of aerial photography, remote sensing and GIS supplies the synoptic instrument to the real knowledge of the geography of the territory and for the operational management of any research and project. This integration is an extraordinary system of efficient investigation, which have already been available for many years for archaeologists and operators of the territory.

We will describe, at a synthetic level, the maturity of the territory systematic study of Babylon archaeological site using different change detection remote sensing analysis.
More than 80 photo interpretation results were mosaicked and georeferenced; vector information like, contour levels, elevation points, streets, vegetation and buildings were digitized and inserted in a GIS system; DTM with a 60 cm resolution were built to satisfy the specific needs of the project; and a virtual reality of the early eighties situation was developed. Object oriented image analysis activity is being carried on and initial results are available. The data and results are published through a WebGIS in order to share with the scientific community the development of the project and to make it accessible to the Iraqi staff especially in this post war situation.
The use of QUICKBIRD and IKONOS remote sensing data, therefore, allows us to capture the integral mutations due to human interventions from 1980 to pre-post war. Earth observation data and GIS system were an optimal starting point for generating and updating large scale cartography. This results will be indispensable for the Iraqi authorities, archaeologists and scientific community who care about the future of the territory.

Abstract document

IAC-06-B1.4.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-B1.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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