Use of CORONA satellite data in archaeological research

Archival remote sensing data is a valuable source for archaeological research and monitoring of processes at archaeological sites caused by modern conditions. An archive of remote sensing data was obtained by American observation satellite CORONA (1959-1972). It comprises 800 000 analogue photos of the Earth surface. In 1995-1996 and 2002 the American Government unclassified the data obtained by CORONA sensors, which gives an access for using this information in scientific purposes. The paper discusses using CORONA satellite data for investigation of archaeological sites subjected to man-caused processes in the 20 th c. The review of characteristics of different sensors and photo parameters, advantages and disadvantages of the system, specific features of the data is published.