Recent studies demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated archaeo-geophysical tools in addressing a wide range of geological and environmental challenges. This approach combines geophysical methods with archaeological fieldwork or remote sensing to support the preliminary survey and analysis of archaeological sites, potentially enhanced by machine learning techniques to estimate the shapes and characteristics of subsurface objects. The present study emphasises the value of informational and probabilistic approaches as optimal tools for assessing and integrating critical data for archaeological research. We employ remote sensing to locate archaeological objects in the Gobustan region of Azerbaijan, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007, and we demonstrate the substantial potential of combined archaeo-geophysical analyses to identify different categories of historical features in this area. For the ana-lysis of freely accessible remote sensing data from different years and missions, advanced interpretation methodologies were applied. We have identified a sophisticated irrigation system characteristic of the Achaemenid Empire period extending beyond the Gobustan National Reserve, comprising interconnected canals, artificial lakes, and ponds, and associated with nearby settlements. The ancient qanats (kehrizes) easily recognisable in satellite images are among the most compelling discoveries, which have not previously been documented in this area. The next stage of this investigation will involve applying surface (or low-altitude) magnetic field analyses, including qualitative and quantitative interpretations of anomalies and three-dimensional modeling. At this stage, reliable physical-archaeological models (PAM) will be developed. The final stage of the research will consist of direct archaeological excavations guided by the established PAM.

Keywords: remote sensing, Gobustan, qanats, combined geophysical analysis, informational approach

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