The Journal of California Anthropology

The use of aerial photography for archaeological exploration is not a new technique. Only recently, however, has small-scale, high altitude imagery become available for this purpose. The use of color infrared and other films sensitive in the near-infrared range, and the use of cameras and flight techniques which provide excellent resolution have made such high altitude imagery a practical tool for archaeological investigation. Such small-scale imagery has photographic properties which render it superior to large-scale photography for certain purposes. For example, the small-scale coverage allows the investigator an uninterrupted view of a vast area in a single frame, with a constant sun angle, constant weather conditions, and so on. The search for larger features, like ditches and rock constructions, is thus much facilitated. Observations made in Hidden Valley, Nevada demonstrate the value of high altitude aerial photography for such archaeological purposes.