Archaeologists are using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing instruments, and satellites to dig into the past. With these tools, archaeologists can study how ancient people adapted to their environment and what factors may have led to their disappearance.

Ankgor, Cambodia. Click on thumbnail (above) for full-sized image

Satellites provide high-resolution radar images whose details can indicate ancient structures or roads. For example, archaeologists studying the image at left believe they have found a previously unknown section of the ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia. Images like this are helping archaeologists understand how the city grew, flourished, and later fell into disuse. Satellite data also is helping decipher the city’s vast system of waterworks, canals, and reservoirs.

Satellite view of Mayan temple sites. Click on thumbnail (above) for full-sized image

For 150 years, archaeologists have been looking for clues about the Mayan civilization, which flourished 4,000 years ago. Satellite technology has helped locate twelve previously unknown Mayan sites. Archaeologists long had wondered how the Maya could have lived on the little water that is in the area today. Satellite imagery provided the answer, revealing vanished rivers and ancient coastlines, as well as canals and reservoirs. The white spots in the photo at right represent ancient temples beneath the forest canopy; the dark lines are Mayan causeways and natural geologic features.

Sifting through ancient Troy. Click on thumbnail (above) for full-sized image

Archaeologists also are using GPS to conduct field research. In remote areas, available maps often are inaccurate. GPS receivers and software allow archaeologists to collect data and keep track of exactly where they found things.

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