The Measurement by Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) of Disturbance Within the Nasca World Heritage Site

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) emerges as a powerful tool for monitoring and preserving the Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru. This study demonstrates that SAR is uniquely suited to investigate both the environment surrounding the geoglyphs and the geoglyphs themselves, offering unprecedented insights into the human activities and natural processes that threaten their integrity. By categorizing geoglyphs based on structural differences, SAR provides a foundation for a comprehensive geoglyph catalogue, enabling more effective conservation strategies. The research leverages airborne SAR technology to detect disturbances, thereby addressing critical gaps in the understanding of these colossal ground drawings and their vulnerabilities.

Chapman, B. D., Comer, D. C., Isla, J. A., & Silverman, H. (2015). The Measurement by Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) of Disturbance Within the Nasca World Heritage Site. Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 17(3), 270–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/13505033.2015.1129801