Mapping the features of the chora of Chersonesos via remotely sensed data

The chora of Chersonesos, located in southeast Crimea, Ukraine, is a uniquely well-preserved ancient agricultural territory in danger of destruction by urban encroachment and coastal erosion. This study investigates the use of remotely sensed data for the mapping of archaeological features in the territory and as a means to monitor urban encroachment and coastal erosion that threaten this historic monument. Historic aerial photography and Corona photography are being analyzed to map archeological features. A digital elevation model (DEM) created via repeat pass interferometry from the European Remote Sensing (ERS) satellite is being used in conjunction with the multispectral imagery and geophysical and geomorphological in situ data to study the ancient settlement of the area and identify and monitor vulnerable parts of the chora. Preliminary results from classification of Landsat multispectral data and comparisons of Corona photography and the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite panchromatic data indicate a massive increase in the urban land cover in the study area during the last few decades. A geographical information system (GIS), for which the remotely sensed data provides the spatial framework for integrating site specific and regional information, is being developed for the site as an aid in land use planning, site protection, and development of an archaeological park.