Researchers are developing temperature-sensitive infrared thermography for low-altitude and on-the-ground remote sensing of archeological sites to improve site discovery and mapping techniques. The variations in ground surface temperature differences caused by differential evaporation rates of vadose water, as it is affected by subsurface disturbances such as soil compaction and buried structures that comprise an archeological site are being imaged. A commercially available thermographic scanner is being used. These scan in middle- to far-infrared wavelengths in the range of 2 to 14 micrometers. Relative temperature sensitivity of these instruments is as precise as 0.01 degrees C. Selective imaging allows concentration on temperature ranges of interest. In addition to real-time display, data can be captured on diskette for computer analysis, enhancement, and interpretation. Digital image processing techniques are being applied to the thermographic images to develop models for feature recognition and analysis of the data.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: Thermography applied to improving archeological site mapping is widely applicable to permitting and compliance procedures in the construction and energy development industries. Imaging techniques developed in this research can be applied to evaluating groundwater intrusion into historical and modem building foundations. The techniques can also be applied to location of buried pipelines, structures, buried waste sites, and subsurface waste contaminant plumes.
