Multitemporal SAR data for prospection, monitoring and preservation of Cultural Heritage

The present research proposes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates traditional archaeological investigation with advanced satellite remote sensing techniques, through the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data acquired from Sentinel-1 and COSMO-SkyMed missions. The objective is to assess the effectiveness of Earth Observation technologies in preventive archaeology developing a non-invasive methodology for the identification and prospection of buried remains, with the aim of identifying areas of potential archaeological interest for future monitoring activities to ensure the conservation of Cultural Heritage. The study area encompasses the territory of the lower Calore Valley in the Benevento province, with a focus on the site of the Roman city of Telesia Vetere (San Salvatore Telesino), and the Norman bell tower of Telese (Telese Terme). Through multitemporal processing and interferometric analysis of SAR data, the research aims to develop appropriate urban and infrastructural planning, through the creation of potential and risk maps to preserve and promote potential archaeological sites. The proposed model is intended as an operational tool to support public authorities to mitigate the impact of anthropogenic transformations on the historical landscape, while also reducing intervention time and costs. In parallel, the use of interferometric (InSAR and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry) techniques enables the monitoring of the structural condition of above-ground archaeological remains, facilitating the detection of structural instabilities and the activation of preventive measures. The integrated approach thus constitutes a concrete contribution to the advancement of sustainable practices for the protection and enhancement of archaeological heritage.