This guide aims to set out the principles of good practice' in the creation and maintenance of digital resources related to aerial photography (including both optical and infra-red images), satellite and airborne remote sensing and the archaeological interpretations made from such data. The suggestions offered here aim to ensure that these digital resources can be re-used, and consequently detailed archiving advice is included.

The parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are discussed, with the type(s) of sensor(s) required to record energy in each part. A review is given of the classes of airborne (and satellite) remote sensor data which are available to geoscientists. Different types of remote sensor data are described and examples provided, including panchromatic, infrared, color, and color infrared aerial photography (Kullaberg, Sweden); multispectral aerial photography (with importance of optimum film/filter combination for specific phenomena); airborne thermal infrared imagery (Kullaberg, Sweden and Surtsey, Iceland); side-looking airborne radar (Tuskahoma Syncline, Oklahoma); and radio sounding of glacial ice (Antarctica). The projected future increase in amount of remote sensor data will require computer processing techniques, although man will serve the most important role in the analysis and use of remote sensor information of the earth's surface.

Includes "Aerial photography for the arctic archaeologist" by Elmer Harp Jr.

Historical archives of vertical photographs and satellite images acquired for other purposes (mainly declassified military reconnaissance) offer considerable potential for archaeological and historical landscape research. They provide a unique insight into the character of the landscape as it was over half a century ago, before the destructive impact of later 20th century development and intensive land use. They provide a high quality photographic record not merely of the landscape at that time, but offer the prospect of the better survival of remains reflecting its earlier history, whether manifest as earthworks, cropmarks or soilmarks. These various sources of imagery also provide an opportunity to examine from the air areas of Europe and beyond whose skies are still not open to traditional archaeological aerial reconnaissance. Tens of millions of such images are held in archives around the world, but their research potential goes very largely untapped. A primary aim of this volume is to draw to wider attention the existence, scope and potential access to historical archival aerial and satellite photographs, in order to encourage their use in a range of archaeological and landscape research. By drawing attention to this massive archival resource, providing examples of its successful application to archaeological/landscape questions, and offering advice how to access and utilise the resource, the volume seeks to bring this material to wider attention, demonstrate its huge potential for archaeology, encourage its further use and stimulate a new approach to archaeological survey and the study of landscape evolution internationally. ​