Information technology and culture: Archaeological sites discovered by Google Earth

Australian researchers have discovered unknown before archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. They note that they did not even need to leave Australia in order to discover new excavation sites. The discoveries were made with satellite observations as a part of Google Earth project.

Using a cartographic system, Australian researchers have developed about 1240 square kilometers from bird’s eye altitude and discovered over 1900 archaeological sites, including 1082 ancient stone caves. According to the scientists, the official air observation is inaccessible for the majority of researchers.

The scientists say they are passing the data over to their colleagues from the Middle East so that the latter would try to approach the sites.

For now the researchers say that comparing new data with the one obtained before from Jordan, it might occur that the discovered sites are no less than 9000 years old. However the final statements could be made only after the real research of the area.