TL/DR –
Archaeologists at Arizona State University are collaborating with the Defense POW/MIA Accountability Agency to locate the remains of U.S. service members still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, using a method called “digital archaeology”. This involves creating a digital product from hard copy documents, which can then be used to predict areas where the remains of missing personnel might be located. The digital tool takes into account environmental factors such as elevation, slope, curvature of the earth, distance to rivers, and a vulnerability index related to vegetation decay, thereby aiding in the planning of recovery missions.
ASU Archaeologists Utilize Digital Tools to Trace Missing US Soldiers from Vietnam War
Archaeologists from Arizona State University (ASU) and the Defense POW/MIA Accountability Agency (DPAA) are partnering to uncover the remains of U.S. service members lost in the Vietnam War. They are applying a novel method known as digital archaeology to locate remains in Cambodia.
Christopher Nicholson, an associate research professor at ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change, is the main figure spearheading this innovative approach. Nicholson also serves as the executive director of the Center for Digital Antiquity at ASU.
Nicholson explained how digital archaeology involves the transformation of traditional archeological records into digital data. This information can then be used to understand past human behavior and aid in other archaeological projects.
Nicholson’s team uses geographic information science models (GIS) to analyze the location of existing DPAA sites alongside environmental data. This allows them to predict potential future sites for missing service personnel.
The team’s approach includes evaluating environmental variables such as elevation slope, the curvature of the earth, distance to rivers, and a vulnerability index assessing the decay rate of different vegetation types.
This novel model provides a strategic tool for planning, helping to identify areas with a high probability of locating remains. As it matures, Nicholson sees potential for broader applications, including predictive models for understanding human behavior and locating missing personnel globally.
Applying modern tech to historical times
Nicholson went on to discuss the expanding field of digital archaeology. While traditional archaeology focuses on distant past civilizations, digital archaeology provides a fresh perspective on recent historical periods, such as the Vietnam War era.
Nicholson emphasized that this technique offers valuable insights even for periods where written records exist. Digital archaeology can complement historical records by providing a richer understanding of the daily lives of individuals during those periods.
To learn more about this innovative approach, visit the ASU’s Center for Digital Antiquity page.
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