Non-Destructive Archaeology: Methods, Ethics, and Theory in Geophysics and Remote Sensing Drones

Archaeology is not just digging! As archaeologists have become more cautious about excavation, technological developments have transformed our ability to detect the past. We can now analyze entire settlements without digging them, through the aid of drones, spy satellites, magnetometers, and ground penetrating radar. Yet such technologies come at a social and ethical cost - particularly pertaining to indigenous rights, private property, and mass surveillance. Through hands-on training, lectures, and discussion, this course explores the methods and theory behind archaeological remote sensing and geophysics in space, the sky, and on land. We also explore the legal framework and ethical issues around remote sensing technologies methods and their impact on interpreting the past. We will engage the concept of non-destructive archaeology through two lenses: 1) technical methods without excavation and 2) ethical remote sensing practice that preserves community trust and partnerships. This class will provide a basic framework for responsible, ethical and community engaged professional praxis in non-destructive archaeology. Prior experience with Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS or QGIS) is recommended but not required.