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Satellite imagery has the potential to aid paleontologists in identifying new fossil-rich areas and help land managers monitor paleontological resources, according to research conducted at Petrified Forest National Park by the University of Oregon. The goal of the project is to use satellites to map large areas without the need for physical exploration, reducing workloads and increasing worker safety. The researchers examined multispectrum satellite imagery, including visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation, to distinguish individual fossil logs from the surrounding landscape. While the technique is not yet able to locate fossils directly, it is useful in determining areas to avoid. However, there are technical and political hurdles preventing the use of satellite imagery as a viable option for land managers. Image resolution is a major limitation, although higher resolution images may become available in the future. In the meantime, drone footage can be used to search for chemical differences between fossils and rocks, but there are restrictions on drone usage in national parks. The researchers also noted that the flat and open landscape of Petrified Forest National Park makes it easier to use imagery to spot fossils. Additionally, the composition of the fossil and its parent rock must differ, which is influenced by the biology and groundwater during the fossilization process. This research offers new possibilities for locating and studying fossils, but further advancements are still needed in satellite imagery technology.

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