Sarah Parcak crowdsources archaeology

What would happen if Indiana Jones and Google Earth had a love child? It would look something like GlobalXplorer.org, the citizen science platform that Sarah Parcak launched on January 30, 2017. This unique platform enlists a global community, and enables anyone with an internet connection to discover the next hidden tomb or potential looting pit using satellite technology. The platform uses satellite imagery provided by DigitalGlobe, and highlights content from National Geographic. The platform will also be a hub for conversations on new sites found, past sites protected and the future of technology in archaeology.

Sarah Parcak is a satellite archeologist. She takes images collected from 450 miles above the Earth’s surfaces, and uses complex algorithms to see subtle changes to the vegetation below that signal manmade objects, hidden from view. Her methods have helped locate 17 potential pyramids in Egypt, in addition to 3,100 forgotten settlements and 1,000 lost tombs. A TED Senior Fellow and National Geographic Explorer, she has also made major discoveries throughout the Viking world and Roman Empire. Still, hundreds of thousands — even millions — of undiscovered ancient sites remain buried all over the world. Her goal: to help locate and protect them.

The winner of the 2016 TED Prize, Sarah revealed her wish to build a citizen science platform for archaeology at the annual TED Conference. It's a big idea to take her work to the next level, and to allow curious minds everywhere to help preserve our global heritage. Learn more about Sarah