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Advanced Archaeological Remote Sensing: Site Prospection, Landscape Archaeology and Heritage Protection in the Middle East and North Africa

Gain a deeper understanding of how satellite imagery can be used to identify and protect archaeological sites.

2,099 enrolled on this course

Sentinel-2 multispectral image of Lagash and the surrounding area, courtesy of ESA.
  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Digital upgrade

    Free

Discover cutting-edge developments in remote sensing for cultural heritage

The Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA) project uses satellite imagery and remote sensing to identify and monitor threats to heritage sites across the MENA region.

On this six-week advanced course from Durham University, you’ll deepen your understanding of remote sensing technology and its uses for the protection of cultural heritage. Focusing on the Middle East and North Africa, you’ll be trained to visualise and analyse remote sensing imagery.

Learn how to source, display, and analyse satellite imagery

Accessing satellite imagery is the first step in exploring archaeological sites and landscapes.

In the first week of the course, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of satellite imagery, learning how it can be used to gather data about features on the earth’s surface.

Get to grips with multispectral imaging and spatial analysis

Satellite remote sensing often uses multispectral imaging. In Week 3, you’ll learn how to carry out simple analyses on multispectral images, and what the value of this data is for analysing archaeology.

You’ll also examine satellite radar data, and learn about the digital elevation models that can be generated from it.

Improve your mapping skills to process archaeological data

In the final two weeks of the course, you’ll develop a toolkit for processing data sourced through satellite remote sensing. You’ll discuss the most effective ways of mapping, georeferencing, and digitising historic maps and imagery, so that data is presented clearly and accurately.

You’ll finish the course with an in-depth knowledge of the uses of satellite remote sensing for cultural heritage protection, and the technical skills you need to conduct your own archaeological analysis.

What topics will you cover?

  1. The theory behind how satellite imagery is produced.
  2. How to find, download, and begin working with satellite imagery.
  3. How to carry out simple multispectral analysis with satellite imagery.
  4. How to find, download, and begin working with topographical data.
  5. How to georeference historical maps and imagery.
  6. How to make great maps to display this data.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Perform remote sensing tasks with free satellite imagery
  • Perform basic analysis with topographical data
  • Apply georeferencing techniques to historic maps and imagery
  • Create great maps with QGIS
  • Report accurately the data sources you have used

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in remote sensing and its uses within archaeology and cultural heritage.

It will be particularly useful for researchers and heritage professionals working in countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

What software or tools do you need?

You will need a device that can run the full version of QGIS – a Windows or Linux desktop PC or laptop, or an Apple iMac or Macbook. If you are accessing the course via a phone, tablet or Chromebook you will still be able to learn the theory, but unfortunately you will not be able to complete the practical components of the course.

Who will you learn with?

Postdoctoral Research Associate with the EAMENA project at Durham University

I focus my research on the interactions between the physical and cultural domains of soil science, archaeology and heritage conservation.

I am Assistant Professor (Research) on the EAMENA project at Durham University specialising in the archaeological landscapes of ancient western Asia, and GIS and remote sensing applications.

I am a landscape archaeologist working in Southwest Asia. I specialise in using computers to understand archaeological datasets, using tools like satellite imagery and geographical information systems

I am an archaeologist who has worked in the Middle East since the late 1970s. I have a particular interest in landscape archaeology, and I am Principal Investigator of the Durham component of EAMENA

Who developed the course?

Durham University

Durham University is a collegiate university with long traditions and modern values, proud to be an international scholarly community which reflects the ambitions of cultures from around the world.

British Council

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.

We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million people overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.

University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is a leading research led university with a strong tradition of excellence in teaching. It is consistently ranked amongst the top 20 universities in the United Kingdom.

University of Oxford

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has been at the forefront of understanding the world – and shaping it – for centuries.

What's included?

Durham University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible
  • Learning on FutureLearn

    Your learning, your rules

    • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
    • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
    • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

    Join a global classroom

    • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
    • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
    • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

    Map your progress

    • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
    • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
    • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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