In recent years, the use of remote-sensing technology in archaeology has gradually attracted attention in Chinese academic circles. It has helped archaeologists acquire more information by virtue of modern techniques, promoting the overall development of archaeology.

Remote-sensing technology in archaeology in China has developed based on aerial photography. He Yun’ao, a professor at the School of History at Nanjing University, said historical sites were detected by aerial photography during construction of the Sanmenxia Reservoir in Henan Province from the 1950s to the 1960s. Excavation and research of these sites was subsequently carried out.

In the years that followed, large-scale archaeological activities including decoding of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang (259-210BC) began to widely adopt space technology. Remote-sensing technology has been applied in the protection of cultural heritage, forming a relatively sound system of supervision and management.

Natural science and technology are important factors fueling development of archaeology. Liu Jianguo, a research fellow at the Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, has studied the use of remote-sensing technology in archaeology since 1992. He said that the development and integration of space science, photoelectric technology, geosciences, mathematical methods and computing techniques have advanced development of remote-sensing technology in archaeology.

“Development of remote-sensing technology for archaeology has led to significant breakthroughs,” said He, citing examples in underwater, desert, jungle and underground environments where research efficiency has been enhanced.

“In addition, remote-sensing technology in archaeology saves money and time,” said Deng Biao, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Both Liu and Deng cited Google Earth as an example, saying it had allowed archaeologists to preliminarily judge the state of ground before conducting archaeological research based on aerial photos and ground survey results.

Addressing the current situation and future development of remote-sensing technology in archaeology, some scholars identified hurdles in the poor integration of space technology and archaeological research due to different experiments, funds and research objectives.

“Deeper integration of technology and archaeology must be achieved in terms of ideas, systems and talents,” He said, adding that the academic circles should innovate and cultivate greater talent in these fields. Better allocating research funds and actively conducting international cooperation are also necessary steps for advancing the development of remote-sensing technology in archaeology, He said.

The Chinese version appeared in Chinese Social Sciences Today, No. 656, October 15, 2014.

The Chinese link: http://sscp.cssn.cn/xkpd/xszx/gn/201410/t20141015_1363267.html

Translated by Chen Meina

　　Revised by Tom Fearon