Recent Advancements in Remote Sensing Studies in Chaco Canyon

Summary

Remote sensing has been an integral part of Chacoan archaeology for several decades, helping to identify and map the broader landscape in and around the canyon. Early remote sensing studies, while pioneering, were often experimental and limited by the available technology. As the technical aspects of remote sensing continue to improve with advancements in computer power and data processing, it is now possible to move beyond experimental studies and broad characterizations of the Chacoan landscape to high-resolution, spatially accurate representations of localized areas. Furthermore, the products that can be generated from these new remote sensing investigations are often robust enough to use directly in the interpretation of a specific area’s cultural history. In this presentation, results from recent remote sensing investigations (including ground-penetrating radar and aerial photography mapping) from several areas within the canyon are discussed. The analytic methods used to collect and process the data are highlighted, as well as some of the archaeological interpretations that are possible using these data.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Recent Analytical Contributions to Chacoan Archaeology   •
• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

Keywords

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 14692