Application of Object-based Image Analysis of High Resolution Imagery to Identify Archaeological Features on Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile)

Summary

Object-based image analysis provides a powerful tool for using remote sensing data as a means of identifying archaeological features. Object-based image analysis has multiple advantages over pixel and spectral based tools, because it isolates features in image data based on a combination of spatial, spectral, and geometric characteristics. Using high spatial and spectral resolution imagery available for Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) and the Trimble eCognition software package, we explore how object-based image analysis can be used to identify and extract two classes of archaeological features: circular stone walled gardens known as manavai, and rectangular stone platforms known as ahu. The results of our study demonstrate how remote sensing imagery can improve upon traditional pedestrian surveys and create a systematic and comprehensive survey of archaeological features for Rapa Nui.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage