Paper short abstract:

The aim of our paper is to present the recent advances in spaceborne survey of late prehistoric and early historic sites in NW Cambodia. The study of satellite images in provinces of Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap allowed us to understand better the pre-Angkorian cultural landscape.

Paper long abstract:

The aim of our study was to investigate the late prehistoric and early historic occupational sites and their hinterland in Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces in Cambodia. We decided to use a satellite images as the fastest method of prospection of vast landscapes. The research routine that we have applied can be divided into two steps: site identification and interpretation of the archaeological landscape. The identification was based on images from Google Earth and Corona programme. For the purpose of this survey, we have developed the method of identification based on soil and crop marks, as well as shadows casted by elevated landscape features. In addition, the images were processed using photogrammetric software. The further step was to examine the spatial relations of the elements of an archaeological landscape.

As the result, we propose an updated map of the past cultural landscapes beyond the limits of Greater Angkor. As well, consistent research routine developed by us shall expands the possibilities of aerial/satellite remote sensing applications for the research on the past of Southeast Asia.