Ground Survey to Aerial Survey:Methods and Best Practices in Systematic Archaeological Explorations and Excavations

Geospatial archaeology is gradually gaining a place of priority in the field archaeology of a variety of archaeological sites during the last decade and a half in India. In accordance with the changing emphasis in the aims and methods of archaeological investigations within and outside the Indian subcontinent and with the availability of scientific and technical expertise in India, application of non-destructive and efficient field techniques has become inevitable. Collaborative research programmes between archaeologists (both Indian and foreign) and experts in geospatial techniques have demonstrated the vast scope of geospatial archaeology in India. Results of such investigations summarized in this article show the efficacy of geospatial archaeology and its potential for ushering a new era of field archaeology in India.