Google Earth helps uncover mysterious large platform at ancient Petra

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Brown University have uncovered a massive platform (184 feet by 161 feet) outside of the ancient city of Petra, Jordan.

Using computer-enhanced imagery from Google Earth, the researchers overlaid GPS points to maps and used a combination of manual examination of the site along with high-resolution images captured by drones.

It is as yet unclear what the function of this massive platform was, but is surmised to have been used for rituals or for governance-related activities in its time. Interestingly, despite its size this platform was for the longest time undetected in earlier surveys as its features were not fully visible on Google Earth when studies began in 2012. Improvements in remote-sensing technologies have led to it being discovered this time around.

"This feature was not visible fully on Google Earth in 2012, when we began this study, due to poor imagery coverage--it is partly visible now," said Sarah Parcak of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "Only with processing the high-resolution imagery did its rectangular form become more apparent."

The platform is topped by a smaller platform that was fronted by columns with a stairway going across.

These findings were published in the journal Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research.