The fortresses of Ejin: an example of outlining a site from satellite images

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how satellite image processing, specifically edge detection, can effectively outline and analyze ancient fortified sites like the Ejin fortresses, revealing structural details and planning features.

Contribution

It introduces a method for digitally outlining fortresses from satellite images, combining image processing and edge detection to analyze archaeological sites.

Findings

Successful digital outlining of fortresses and earthworks

Identification of structural and planning features

Potential for remote archaeological analysis

Abstract

From 1960's to 1970's, the Chinese Army built some fortified artificial hills. Some of them are located in the Inner Mongolia, Western China. These large fortresses are surrounded by moats. For some of them it is still possible to see earthworks, trenches and ditches, the planning of which could have a symbolic meaning. We can argue this result form their digital outlining, obtained after an image processing of satellite images, based on edge detection.