Monitoring and Detecting Archaeological Features with Multi-Frequency Polarimetric Analysis

A multi-frequency polarimetric analysis of SAR data reveals promising potential for the automatic detection and monitoring of archaeological features at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, addressing a longstanding gap in remote sensing applications. The study demonstrates that combining dual and fully polarized C-band Sentinel-1, L-band ALOS PALSAR, and RADARSAT-2 datasets can effectively identify both surface and subsurface structures at Gebel Barkal (Sudan). While high-resolution SAR sensors traditionally focus on small-scale topography, this approach leverages multi-incidence angle and temporal data to enhance documentation and threat response for cultural heritage. The integration of historical PALSAR references with recent Sentinel-1 time series and targeted RADARSAT-2 acquisitions provides a robust framework for monitoring vulnerable sites, offering actionable insights for preservation efforts.

Patruno, J., Fitrzyk, M., & Delgado Blasco, J. M. (2019). Monitoring and Detecting Archaeological Features with Multi-Frequency Polarimetric Analysis. Remote Sensing, 12(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12010001