Mapping and aerial reconnaissance

Aerial imagery and mapping has had a strong relationship in the Middle East since the first ‘Pioneers’ started aerial reconnaissance in the early 20^th century. When sourcing maps for this large region for archaeological research, it is often these older maps that can be the most informative. This is partly because urban development at this early period was scant and often it was the ruins of ancient structures, some that have all but since disappeared from view, that provided necessary landmarks.

Often, supplementary publication notes printed on the maps can provide additional useful information. A large amount of aerial reconnaissance and map making was undertaken by British, French, German and Australian armed forces of the areas behind enemy lines with aircraft flying in parallel lines. The details of the squadron and date of the aerial imagery used to compile the map data can be useful for tracking down the original imagery now housed in national archives.

An observer of the Royal Flying Corps in a Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft demonstrates a C type aerial reconnaissance camera fixed to the side of the fuselage, 1916. Image: IWM Q 33850. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

A softer side

When you are in the field with your team, certain characteristics begin to be revealed... like how our Director and fearless leader has the ability to attract small and cute animals.

The small and cute animal in question: a puppy that belonged to a Bedouin camp near by. Photo: Rebecca Banks

The animal in question tagging along on our archaeological investigations at 'Bir el-Buhai'. Photo: Rebecca Banks.

And that's a wrap!

A very successful last flight (20111027) yesterday for this visit to Jordan. The clouds from the past couple of days cleared and the pilots were magnificent, as usual, with a very smooth day of flying over the basalt had by all. Some areas were extremely dense in wheels, pendants, kites and cairns and this resulted in a huge 3500 pictures taken.

New Helicopter Spotted...

While at Ruwayshid Air Force Base the team spotted this recently developed North Korean helicopter. What it lacks in style it makes up for in range.

-DLK

Successful Flight 20111024

Yesterday was a long six hours in the air, but the results speak for themselves. We are currently cataloguing but here is a sneak peak at what shall be up on our flickr archive shortly.

APAAME_20111024_REB-0030.

Qasr Burqu. APAAME_20111024_REB-0091.

Ar-Risha. APAAME_20111024_REB-0101.

Wheel. APAAME_20111024_REB-0195.

Life amongst the ruins

It is easy to think of ancient ruins as being frozen in time but they have become a part of a living landscape, as these little critters reminded us.

An Owl peeks out of its hidey hole in a column at Pella (modern Tabaqat Fahl). Photo: Karen Henderson.

A lizard soaks up the sunlight in the ruins of Jarash (ancient Garasa). Photo: Rebecca Banks.

A Message for All

From the Baptism Site. Photo: Bob Bewley.