Low Cost Space Technologies for Operational Change Detection Monitoring Around the Archaeological Area of Esna-Egypt

Cultural sites are being continuously threatened by natural hazardous processes and human intervention. There is a general agreement on the need for their protection for present and future human generations. The approach to do is unclear technologically inadequate and (or) lacks financing. Pollution, urban encroachment, population pressure and major development projects are seriously impinging on the precious heritage material values of man in innumerable cases. Remote sensing and GIS provide a historical database from which hazard maps may be generated, indicating which areas are potentially dangerous. The zonation of hazard must be the basis for any environmental risks management project and should supply planners and decision-makers with adequate and understandable information. The objective of this paper is the detection and mapping urban sprawl and agricultural areas around Esna city in order to assess their impact on the Esna temple and to propose mitigation measures.