Following Baradez’s tracks. The GIS approach integrating photographic and satellite sources near Biskra (Algeria)

The aero-photographic and ground surveys conducted by Jean Baradez in the 1940s, later published in his Fossatum Africae, are often overlooked sources of information about the rich and complex network of archeological sites around the roman limes area of Biskra (Vescera) in Algeria. An effort was made to georeference in GIS most of the published Baradez aerial photos against modern satellite imagery and other sources, leading to the potential (re)discovery of many archeological sites. Some of these sites were found and surveyed during two short archeological campaigns conducted on the ground in 2018 and 2019. This contribution presents some preliminary findings, along with specific examples highlighting both the quality and the conservation risks of these sites, often located in the vicinity of recently developing peri-Saharan areas.