UTILIZING UAS, AND WORLDVIEW-3 SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING DATA TO DETECT ARCHEOLOGICAL SURFACE AND NEAR-SURFACE STRUCTURES

This study examines the application of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and high-resolution WorldView-3 satellite imagery to detect surface and near-surface archaeological structures at Fort Caswell, North Carolina, USA, and the South Saqqara Plateau, Egypt. Initial findings at Fort Caswell (Site 1) revealed near surface linear features with a total length of 506 feet that represent remnants of the known historical citadel’s foundation. Analysis indicated that Bit Errors filter, combined with georeferenced historical map data outperformed other spectral approaches in the detection of surface and near-surface features, enhancing method for historical site detection. In Egypt (Site 2), analyses of the South Saqqara Plateau shows that the Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) effectively distinguishes construction materials, enabling separation of features from the 4th dynasty to those from the 5th and 6th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. Causeways of three ancient complexes (Mastaba al’ Firun of Shepseskaf, Merenre Pyramid, Pepi II Pyramid) as well as segments of ramps were visibly enhanced and easily distinguished in the study site. In addition, data analysis revealed previously unknown linear and circular features in the vicinity of Wadi Tafla and the surrounding areas. Today, with many researchers solely depending on conventional archeological practices, gaps in our knowledge of hidden ancient structures remain significant, as these methods often lack the ability to detect subsurface or inaccessible features effectively. These initial findings underscore the potential of noninvasive remote sensing approaches to support cultural heritage preservation and enhance our understanding of historical landscapes across diverse and challenging environments.