System and method for identification of archeological features using remotely sensed data

Abstract

This invention relates to a system and method for non-invasive detection of gravesites and archaeological features using multimodal remote sensing and machine learning. Remotely sensed datasets, including RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, LiDAR, and thermal imagery, are orthorectified, mosaicked, and subdivided into tiled image segments. Features are labeled through manual annotation of visible markers and environmental signatures and expanded via iterative augmentation. A supervised pipeline trains computer vision models, such as YOLO-based detectors, in parallel with tabular models derived from spectral indices (NDVI, NDRE), LiDAR elevation derivatives, and thermal anomalies. Inference outputs are cross-validated against thresholded evidence layers to reject false positives and upgraded when spectral, spatial, and thermal evidence align. Validated detections are exported as GIS-compatible layers with confidence scores and metadata. The system provides a scalable, replicable tool supporting archaeologists, Indigenous communities, and planners in cemetery investigations, cultural resource management, and humanitarian searches for unmarked or clandestine graves.

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