Luftbildarchäologie

Luftbildarchäologie, also known as aerial archaeology, is a subfield of archaeology that uses aerial imagery to identify and study archaeological sites. The method primarily relies on analyzing photographs taken from aircraft or drones, as well as satellite or drone-based remote sensing data. By examining landscape patterns—such as crop marks, soil marks, or vegetation changes—archaeologists can detect the outlines of buried structures, roads, or settlements not visible from the ground.

The practice emerged in the early 20th century, with initial applications during and after World War I, when military pilots began observing ground features from the air. Advancements in photographic technology and later digital remote sensing have improved precision and scope. Modern techniques often combine traditional aerial photography with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and geospatial tools to create detailed 3D site models.

Aerial archaeology is widely used to locate and map sites across various environments, from ancient cities and tombs to prehistoric settlements. It offers a non-invasive approach to exploring site extent and layout without excavation. However, effectiveness can be limited by weather, vegetation cover, or imagery resolution.

In summary, aerial archaeology provides a critical, non-destructive method to uncover and understand the archaeological record, complementing traditional fieldwork and expanding investigative reach.