Space based monitoring of archaeological looting: An overview in peruvian archaeological areas

Illegal excavations represent one of the main risks which affect archaeological heritage throughout the world. Actions oriented to prevent looting can be supported by satellite technologies which can provide reliable information to: (i) detect and quantify looting phenomenon even over large and inaccessible areas, (ii) set up tools to undertake monitoring also for sites not accessible due to war, armed conflicts or other limiting factors. This article is focused on an overview on the methodology developed for the identification of clandestine excavations in Peruvian archaeological areas mainly focusing on two archaeological areas: one near Nasca (Southern Peru) and the second one in Ventarron (Lambayeque, Northern Peru)).