PI2010130 THE FUTURE OF AERIAL ARCHAEOLOGY IN EUROPE

ABSTRACT

Four issues are highlighted in relation to the perceived undervaluing of aerial archaeology within the broader discipline of archaeology: potential bias within the methodology of data acquisition; the failure to contextualise aerial discoveries within wider archaeological understanding; the inadequate dissemination of aerial photographic awareness and skills among the wider archaeological community; and the methodological dichotomy between aerial archaeologists and airborne/satellite remote sensing specialists. Suggestions are made as to how each issue may be, or is being, addressed for the benefit of the discipline of archaeology as a whole.

KEYWORDS

Aerial archaeology, cropmarks, bias, contextualisation, skills provision, methodological dichotomy.