Remote Sensing – Geomatics

Our geomatics department also uses a number of remote-sensing applications to supplement our main software packages, including proprietary and open-source solutions. We have the technical capabilities and expertise to conduct analysis on airborne and spaceborne imagery and data including multispectral, hyperspectral, radar, and lidar data. In addition to using such imagery for cartographic purposes, proper analysis can reveal archaeological features and related landforms not visible from the surface. Additionally, we conduct terrain-based analysis using ArcGIS (Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions) or Manifold System (Surface Tools), as well as artifact distributional analyses and geostatistical analyses. We also process and analyze data collected from ground-penetrating radar (GPR), magnetometer, electromagnetic conductivity, and resistivity instruments. Our geomatics department supports our Nautical Archaeology Division, which processes and analyzes remotely sensed data collected by a variety of instruments, including side scan sonar, sub-bottom profilers, gradiometers, and magnetometers. GIS and hydrographic survey software are used for analysis of geotechnical and geophysical remote sensing data in support of offshore and inland projects. We produce geo-referenced side scan sonar mosaics, which along with additional data layers (magnetic and bathymetric), aid visual analysis for the identification and correlation of marine remote-sensing anomalies. As with airborne and spaceborne imagery, data fusion can be conducted on underwater remotely sensed data. The integration of GIS with hydrographic and navigation systems provides an extremely accurate and efficient workflow.