Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the field of archaeology by uncovering hidden sites in the vast deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. Innovations from researchers in Abu Dhabi are enhancing site detection, expediting what was once a laborious process.
By employing cutting-edge technologies, archaeologists are now able to locate significant historical sites with unprecedented precision, providing a new window into our past.
On the northern edge of the Rub al-Khali, a desert renowned for its size and harsh conditions, artificial intelligence is revealing secrets long buried beneath the sands. Researchers at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi have developed advanced methods to investigate these vast arid regions.
Diana Francis, an atmospheric scientist leading the research, noted the need for a more reliable guide to focus their efforts. The team thus explored synthetic aperture radar (SAR) combined with machine learning algorithms.
Francis explains that the system can generate 3D models of expected structures, providing archaeologists with a clear idea of what lies beneath the sand. Collaborating with Dubai Culture, the team conducted ground surveys that confirmed the satellite-based findings.
According to Amy Hatton, a PhD student at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, this approach has resolved technical challenges previously limiting remote sensing in desert regions.
Her project in Mongolia discovered thousands of potential sites that traditional ground surveys would have missed. Despite the high costs and computational demands, SAR imagery proves invaluable for regions like the Gobi Desert.
Thomas advocates using technology in areas with low probabilities of significant findings, thereby allowing researchers to concentrate on more promising locations.
Dubai Culture plans to continue using AI to explore additional sites, with Francis and her team refining their algorithms for greater accuracy.
The research holds promising implications for other desert regions worldwide. Francis envisages exporting this technology to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and African deserts, broadening the scope of archaeological discoveries globally.
The integration of artificial intelligence with traditional archaeological methods marks a significant advancement in uncovering buried historical sites. As researchers continue to refine these technologies, our understanding of ancient civilisations will undoubtedly deepen.
With promising results in regions like the Arabian Peninsula, the future of archaeological discovery appears increasingly reliant on innovative technological solutions, making the once impossible task of desert excavation more accessible and precise.
