AI detects ancient aqueducts in cold war satellite images.

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  • Author(s): Hsu, Jeremy (AUTHOR)
  • Source:
    New Scientist. 9/28/2024, Vol. 263 Issue 3510, p20-20. 1/3p. 1 Color Photograph.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      REMOTE-sensing images; SPACE surveillance; DESERTS; CLASSICAL antiquities; COLD War, 1945-1991
    • Abstract:
      Using artificial intelligence (AI), researchers have discovered ancient underground aqueducts in North Africa and the Middle East by analyzing spy satellite images from the Cold War era. These aqueducts, known as qanats, are up to 3000 years old and were used to transport water from highland areas to irrigate crops in desert regions. The AI model developed by the researchers successfully identified the openings of the shafts leading to the aqueducts in satellite images, with over 88% accuracy. However, it remains uncertain whether this AI approach would be effective in more complex landscapes. [Extracted from the article]
    • Abstract:
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