Researchers at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi have developed a high-tech solution to searching huge, arid areas for potential archaeological sites. Traditionally, archaeologists use ground surveys to detect potential sites of interest, but that can be time-consuming and difficult in harsh terrains like the desert. “Once it was trained, it gave us an indication of other potential areas (nearby) that are still not excavated,” says Francis. Khalifa University isn’t alone in using artificial intelligence to detect potential sites. If archaeologists find the structures the algorithm has predicted, Dubai Culture plans to use the technology to unearth more sites.

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Persons: ”, Diana Francis, Francis, Ben Romdhane, Saruq Al, Hadid, Expediting, Amy Hatton, Max Planck, Hatton, isn’t, Amina Jambajanstsan, Hugh Thomas, — Thomas, Thomas, Unearthing, Al Hadid Organizations: CNN, Khalifa University, Dubai Culture, Max, Max Planck Institute, Geoanthropology, Khalifa, University of Sydney Locations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia —, Alaska, Southern Mongolia, Egypt, Africa