Surveying the Scene: Archaeology

Diyala Plains, Iraq

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Aerial mosaic of the Diyala Plains found in Iraq, east of Baghdad. Ancient canal systems dating from 637 to 1150 A.D. have been mapped on the photograph. Identification of archaeological features such as these, which extend over vast areas, can be greatly facilitated by the use of aerial photography.
Courtesy of Robert McCormick Adams

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Close up aerial view of the same region. Traces of the linear canals can be easily located in the upper left and right. Also visible are an ancient dam (center) and the basin where water backed up behind it.
Courtesy of Robert McCormick Adams

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Map of Diyala canal systems from the period between 637 and 883 AD. By combining information gathered both in the field and from aerial photography, the layout of the canals can be mapped for different periods.
Courtesy of Robert McCormick Adams

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The canal system in the period between 883 and 1150 AD

Courtesy of Robert McCormick Adams

Egyptian Pyramids

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A U-2 aircraft supplied this view of the ancient pyramids at Giza. In the center is the pyramid of Cheops, the largest structure of its kind ever built. Numerous excavated tombs are located next to the large pyramid. To the lower left is the Sphinx (arrow).
Courtesy of CIA

Geology

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