Application of optical high resolution satellite imagery for archaeological prospection over Hierapolis (Turkey)

In this paper the results of a study concerning the archaeological application of optical satellite data carried out within the activities of the Italian Archeological Mission at Hierapolis (Turkey) are presented. Several optical images with different spatial resolution were used for small-scale framework geological analysis of the region and large-scale study of the archaeological site. Two different resolution DEMs were digitally produced from SPOT and Ikonos panchromatic stereopairs. Panchromatic and multispectral data acquired by QuickBird and Ikonos were fused to produce pan-sharpened color images using IHS transformation. All these images were visually interpreted to detect archaeological, geological and environmental features of interest. Fieldwork was carried out to collect direct evidence of archaeological features, either superficial or buried, and environmental, geological and geomorphologic data. Ground truth about buried archeological features was collected by high resolution geophysical prospection in some test areas. These very detailed data were effectively combined with remotely sensed imagery for spatial modeling of archaeological features. All data collected in this study were effectively integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce comprehensive maps of the site depicting archaeological and environmental features