AI and satellite tech could end archaeological delays in construction

A common belief holds that archaeological finds slow down construction work, but Stefano Monti argues this is a misconception rooted in outdated practices. In the age of artificial intelligence and advanced computing, new tools can anticipate discoveries before digging begins. Archaeologist Iris Kramer founded a startup using satellite imagery and AI to identify potential underground finds. Italian grid operator Terna has created a preventive archaeology team employing archival research, geoelectrics, and magnetometry to assess large project sites. These innovations transform archaeological finds from uncontrollable threats into manageable risks. By estimating the probability and impact of discoveries, companies can plan alternative solutions and procedures in advance, reducing delays. The key shift is from reactive disruption to proactive knowledge: it is not archaeology that slows work, but a lack of archaeological awareness. When the cost of preventive analysis is lower than the cost of an unexpected find, firms will adopt such technologies. Monti predicts that within a few years, blaming a discovery for delays will seem as absurd as blaming an empty pool for a dive gone wrong.