Image Processing for the Enhancement of Satellite Imagery

The aim of this chapter is a discussion of some image processing methods for increasing the potentialities of the satellite imagery provided by free Internet services, such as Google Maps for instance, to the detection and survey of ancient remains, human modified landforms or landscape patterns. In particular, quite interesting results can be achieved by means of some tools freely available, developed originally for astrophysical researches. Of course, the same processing methods can be applied to images obtained by means of aerial or other remote sensing surveys. We will see that the use of the freely available satellite images is particularly suitable for the study of the remains of ancient landscapes. This archaeological survey is an important and challenging issue, because there are continuously increasing worries and difficulties for the preservation of these ancient structures from the assault of urbanization and modern agricultural methods.