Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced that the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) Lab researchers have used satellite remote sensing observations to detect buried objects in already known archaeological sites.
The satellite remote is also used to identify unexplored archaeological sites in the UAE by applying machine learning techniques to satellite data.
The method was developed by Khalifa University and combines satellite data and machine learning which can be applied to similar desert environments in the UAE.
The lab at Khalifa University is currently investigating an archaeological site near Al Ain.
Dr Diana Francis, head of ENGEOS Lab said, "Remote sensing has been able to assist archaeological research in several ways in recent years, including detection of subsurface remains, monitoring of archaeological sites and monuments, and archeo-landscapes studies. Now, artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to remote sensing can provide additional support and invaluable guidance for on-site archaeological work."
The technology will help in reducing the cost of archaeological exploration and will also help archaeologists identify potential locations.
The first study done by the researchers was at the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site which had previously been investigated by a team of researchers from Dubai Municipality and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center Lab, indicating the presence of buried settlements in the site used by ancient indigenous workers.