NABATEAN TOMBS ORIENTATION BY REMOTE SENSING: PROVISIONAL RESULTS

Abstract

Thirty two rock cut tombs are studied, from Petra in Jordan) and Madaa’in Saleh (Hegra) in northern Saudi Arabia. Satellite images were used from Google Earth and its accessory facilities on compass and slope eval- uation. Some comparison of orientations were made with in situ compass and total station reading. There is not an apparent predominate orientation, even though striking directions are found (due south, mostly western, some eastern) which at any rate are related to sunrise, sunset and sun’s orbit, at solar stands (equi- noctial, solstitial) when sun light could enter tombs’ entrance of the magnificent sculptured facades. Tombs are rather made by wealthy chiefs and officers, and any definite conclusion on deliberate orientation is with- out a strong argument. Google earth positions compared to in situ measurements present an error of c.2 o .