Unleashing the Power of Remotely Sensed Big Data: Transforming Archaeological Research with Google Earth Engine

By Ashutosh RoyReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Jul 12 2023

Archaeology has greatly benefited from remote sensing techniques, which allow researchers to analyze landscapes and identify archaeological features. In recent years, the accumulation of vast amounts of remotely sensed big data (RSBD) has opened up new possibilities for archaeological research. However, challenges related to data access, computational resources, and methodological awareness have hindered the widespread adoption of RSBD in the field.

An article published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports explored the transformative capabilities of Google Earth Engine (GEE), a cloud computing platform that addresses these challenges and unlocks the potential of RSBD in archaeological research.

GEE - A revolutionary platform

GEE is a groundbreaking cloud computing platform designed specifically for processing and analyzing RSBD. It offers a user-friendly interface, access to a wide range of datasets, and the computing power of Google's servers. GEE overcomes the limitations faced by archaeologists and empowers them to conduct innovative research and analysis.

Overcoming limitations

GEE bridges the gap between RSBD and archaeological research by providing comprehensive datasets and powerful processing capabilities. It boasts an extensive data catalog that includes widely used datasets such as Landsat, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2, as well as lesser-known datasets that inspire novel applications. Additionally, GEE allows users to upload their own data, co-locate it with existing datasets, and process and analyze data in the cloud. The platform offers a comprehensive library of pre-loaded functions, algorithms, and tools, enabling users to rapidly customize their analyses and prototype new algorithms.

Machine learning and time series analysis

One of the key advantages of GEE is its integration of machine learning techniques, such as deep learning algorithms, for automated feature identification in RSBD. Traditional machine learning methods have shown promise in detecting large and visible archaeological features. However, GEE's integration with the TensorFlow deep learning framework allows for the identification of more subtle and ephemeral features that may not be easily recognizable. This opens up new possibilities for archaeological research and expands the scope of feature identification.

Moreover, GEE facilitates time series analysis, which allows researchers to examine nuanced patterns over time. By leveraging the temporal dimension of RSBD, near real-time monitoring and assessments of cultural heritage sites become possible. This capability is crucial for detecting and mitigating threats such as climate change, looting, and urbanization impacts.

Bridging gaps with GEE

GEE addresses limitations hindering the widespread use of remotely sensed big data (RSBD) in archaeological research. It offers rapid access to a variety of remotely sensed datasets, coupled with the computing power of Google’s servers. With a user-friendly interface and extensive data catalog, GEE enables archaeologists to overcome barriers such as data access, analysis, and computing power.

The platform supports machine learning algorithms for automated feature identification and time series analysis for monitoring cultural heritage sites. It also facilitates landscape-scale environmental modeling, providing insights into past land use practices and human-environment interactions. GEE’s web-based code editor allows users to interact with geospatial data using JavaScript and Python APIs, enabling customization and integration with other libraries.

The platform promotes open science through easy code sharing and transparency. While GEE has transformed environmental and Earth sciences, its potential for archaeology is being realized, offering solutions to challenges faced in RSBD analysis and unlocking new possibilities for archaeological research.

Landscape-scale environmental modeling

GEE allows archaeologists to conduct landscape-scale environmental modeling, providing insights into ancient ecological systems and human-environment interactions. By integrating RSBD into models for land cover change, productivity, and hydrology, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of past land use practices and predict the impact of future scenarios on cultural heritage sites.

Challenges and the way forward

While GEE offers immense potential, several challenges must be addressed for its effective use in archaeological research. Archaeologists face issues related to data access, the scale of RSBD, access to computational resources, and methodological awareness. Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts, capacity building, and interdisciplinary approaches.

GEE has emerged as a game-changing platform for archaeological research, empowering archaeologists to overcome traditional limitations and derive valuable insights from RSBD. Its user-friendly interface, extensive data catalog, and powerful computing capabilities provide a robust foundation for exploring ancient landscapes and answering critical research questions. GEE’s integration of machine learning and time series analysis techniques and its support for landscape-scale environmental modeling open up new possibilities for understanding the past.

However, it is essential to recognize that GEE is not a cure-all solution. Field-based investigations and interdisciplinary collaborations remain crucial for a comprehensive understanding of archaeological sites and features. With ongoing training and responsible use, GEE has the potential to reshape the way we understand and study the past.

As archaeologists continue to embrace the potential of RSBD and further refine their analytical techniques, we can anticipate ground-breaking discoveries and a deeper understanding of our shared human history. GEE serves as a powerful tool in unlocking the potential of RSBD, revolutionizing archaeological research, and paving the way for new discoveries in the field. By harnessing the capabilities of GEE and leveraging advanced analytical techniques, archaeologists are poised to uncover hidden stories of our ancient world.