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Application of Environmental Remote Sensing for Updating Geo-archaeological Records

Mizanur Rahman
Corresponding Author
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Cox's Bazar-4700, Bangladesh

Md Saifuzzaman
Department of Geography & Environment, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

S. Dara Shamsuddin
Department of Geography & Environment, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Documentation, conservation, and preservation of archaeological sites and artifacts in Bangladesh call for rapid non-invasive methods of scientific investigation in order not to disturb the sites and situation in a densely populated country with considerable fluvio-geomorphological changes. Remote Sensing (RS) and GIS with appropriate use of other supplementary information is an advantageous method of identification and analysis of archaeological features and environmental characteristics of archaeological sites. We had earlier proposed a five-step methodological approach to developing a geospatial database on the physical and cultural aspects of archaeological sites using RS and GIS technologies and tested in six archaeological sites of various sizes, periods, and environmental conditions. The current study is a further exploration of the proposed method in two little-known archaeological sites, namely Mainamatir Garh (or Mainamatir Kot) and Dharmapaler Garh, less than 4 km apart in Domar and Jaldhaka Upazilas of Nilphamari District. The local inhabitants have encroached the sites and divided up into plots for their settlements. Consequently, the ramparts of the mud fort are threatened by massive human disturbance. It is also under threat of river erosion flowing along Mainamatir Garh. Freely available multispectral and high-spatial remote sensing data provided additional measurement capabilities of various artifacts in the sites. We recommend that this method for preliminary identification and delimitation of archaeological features is useful, aided with historical maps and other secondary data. The present study demonstrates that we now have both technology and human resources on hand to undertake a rapid on-screen survey of all the archaeological sites of Bangladesh for updating the records on a digital database structure with minimum fieldwork.

Keywords: RS-GIS, Archaeological features, Paleo-environment, Mud-forts

Location: Nilphamari District, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Non-commodity: Remote sensing

Objectives:

To determine the past and present biophysical and socio-economic environment of the sites under study.

Methodology:

The two sites Dharmapaler Garh and Mainamatir Garh/Kot are both in the Nilphamari District. Here onward, the name Mainamatir Garh and Dharmapaler Garh are marked as ‘1’ and ‘2’ respectively. The sites were identified through systematic visual on-screen scanning of the North-West part of Bangladesh, known for its Hindu-Buddhist period mud-forts and other archaeological sites (Begum, 2013). The terms Garh, Kot, Dhap, Dhibi, Dhipi, Tibi, Qella, Kella, Burj, Khitta, Damdama and Chauki are used, sometimes interchangeably, to different types of fortifications to be found in Bangladesh and Poschimbongo of India (Begum, 2013). The section below is a detailed description of the general methodological approach we took for the study. This general approach was tested previously in six different sites (Saifuzzaman et al., 2012) and was tailored to suit the specific requirements of each study site and the objectives of this study. Step one: Objective of the specific site study- It is an obvious but very important step to clearly state the objectives/purpose of the study in question. The more clearly the purpose is stated the easier would be to identify and carry out the next steps. Step two: Procure and evaluate data-The next step is to collect, examine, interpret, analyze and evaluate the data and information available on the archaeological site/s and the larger study area. The sources and considerations are: * Satellite images from Google Earth open source. * Maps: topographical maps, district maps, mauza maps, other maps of scale (R.F). * Previous survey and reports: types of survey and reports (i.e. individual/institutional) dates, limitations. * Online data: locational data, raster and vector data, geo-tagged photographs. Step three: A checklist of information requirement-This is a step to be followed if the study requires field investigation for ground-truthing. Having examined all the information extractable from the images and maps from various sources, a detailed checklist is to be prepared for the collection of information from the field. Step Four: Appropriate field methods and techniques-This is the step that is critically important once it is decided that detail field investigations are required. Detail plan and the program is to be drawn up for field-level data collection. First and foremost is the development of an exhaustive data collection sheet based largely on the checklist developed above. For the site-specific survey, all features must be measured and have the field data collection sheet meticulously filled in. This is of utmost importance for developing an RS-GIS map. List of instruments required includes GPS, Digital camera, Santo Level, Pole and measuring tape. Step Five: Integrate data and information-There are several procedural sub-steps that are to be carried out in order to effectively integrate data and information obtained from diverse sources into a standard digital format.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Environmental Research, Vol. 11, 94-110, 2020; ISSN: 1996-8914

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The objectives of this research were two-fold, one methodological and the other the output. On the methodological objectives, we have been able to further refine the five steps we applied. The Google Earth images, both present as well as historical, provided immensely useful digital information of the site and the environment of the site and the surrounding landscape. Dependable interpretation of the images required careful examination of all the previous data, maps and studies coupled with ground-truthing for clarification and digital data generation. Historical satellite images and aerial photographs may provide a rich source of information for future archaeological site studies. Integrating GPS coordinates with mauza boundaries were the most important contribution of this study. With the locational data, GPS routes were drawn so that future researchers would get direction and distance. Use of Geo-tagged photographs from a digital camera is another innovative idea of this study adding new methodological dimension. All photographs were properly geo-referenced and identified with latitude and longitude with WGS-1984 datum. This important integration would help others to make a compilation of the characteristics using photo integration tools. The coverage of Digital Maps of Bangladesh using GIS methods is another key integration. All levels of administrative regions were overlaid and geo-processed and integrated with field and remotely sensed databases. Thus, rich GIS datasets have been created for further studies. On the output aspects of the study, we have successfully determined the structure and environment of the two study sites with minimum time spent on ground-truthing. We know that functions and structures are closely interrelated. Future researches may now focus on the possible range of functions these Garh structures performed including the functions of the individual components of the structures.

Knowledge Management: Journal