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In this paper we consider the possibility of using remote sensing data for determining various negative factors affecting archaeological objects condition on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan. Fortified settlements, with the system of defensive fortifications, were selected as the objects of study, as they are easily identified by remote sensing data. In our view, the analysis of medieval Volga Bulgars (X-XIII centuries A.D.), the most common in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan, has the highest priority. The first task by using remote sensing was to obtain actual data on the current condition of archaeological monuments located on the Kuibyshev reservoir shore, where the threat of destruction is maximized. Due to the fact, that most of the Volga-Bulgaria settlements, is located on the small rivers banks, the second task was geomorphological description of monuments placement in order to assess the risk of their destruction by natural processes. Third objective was to evaluate the role of the human factor in archaeological sites destruction. Ancient settlements under different types of negative impact were selected for the study. Deciphering of multitemporal remote sensing data allowed to assess the objects condition and to predict the risk of further damage. Additionally, it made able to correct the form of the Bulgars hillforts in comparison with existing plans, as well their size and location in the landscape, to restore the original appearance of destroyed fortified settlements, to determine precise coordinates for the further use of these data in the archaeological geographic information systems.

Archaeological monuments are an essential part of the cultural landscape. According to UNESCO directive, the "cultural landscape" is understood not simply as a result of joint creativity of man and nature, but as a purposefully formed natural and cultural territorial complex, which has structural, functional integrity, developing in specific physical and geographical, cultural and historical conditions. This article discusses the modern condition of the archaeological monuments of the Republic of Tatarstan, as a manmade part of the cultural landscape. Fortified settlements, with the system of defensive fortifications, were selected as the objects of study, as they are easily identified by remote sensing data. Identification and evaluation of monuments destruction risks is a priority in the study of medieval settlements. Due to the fact, that most of monuments is located on the small rivers banks, the first task of our study was to assess the risk of their destruction by natural processes. The second objective was to evaluate the role of the human factor in archaeological sites destruction. One of the main used methods is archival and modern remote sensing data analysis that also made able to correct the form of study settlements in comparison with existing plans, as well their size and location in the landscape. The results of research will help to identify trends in the monuments state and quantify the risks of their destruction.

В статье рассматривается современное состояние археологических памятников Ре-спублики Татарстан как рукотворной и неотъемлемой части культурного ландшафта Согласно директиве ЮНЕСКО, «культурный ландшафт» понимается не просто как результат совместного деятельности человека и природы, а как природно-культурный территориальный комплекс, имеющий структурную, функциональную целостность, развивающийся в конкретных физико-географических, культурных и исторических условиях. В качестве объектов исследования были выбраны средневековые поселения (городища) с системой оборонительных укреплений, которые легко идентифицировать по данным дистанционного зондирования. Выявление и оценка рисков разрушения памятников являются приоритетом в изучении объектов культурного наследия. По-скольку большинство памятников расположено на берегах малых рек, первой задачей исследования было оценить риск их разрушения природными (опасными экзогенны-ми) процессами. Вторая задача заключалась в оценке роли антропогенного фактора в разрушении археологических объектов. Одним из основных используемых методов является поиск и анализ архивных и современных данных дистанционного зондирова-ния. Данный подход позволяет скорректировать форму поселений, уточнить их размер и местоположение в ландшафте, тем самым решается задача по актуализации инфор-мации об объектах культурного наследия. Результаты исследований, впервые для Ре-спублики Татарстан, помогут выявить произошедшие и текущие изменения состояния памятников и получить количественную оценку рисков их разрушения для определе-ния приоритетных участков для проведения охранно-спасательных работ. Ключевые слова: археология, культурное наследие, антропогенный фактор, экзо-генные процессы, дистанционное зондирование, аэрофотосъемка, геоинформацион-ные системы, городища, средневековье.

In this paper we consider the possibility of using remote sensing data for determining various negative factors affecting archaeological objects condition on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan. Fortified settlements, with the system of defensive fortifications, were selected as the objects of study, as they are easily identified by remote sensing data. In our view, the analysis of medieval Volga Bulgars (X-XIII centuries A.D.), the most common in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan, has the highest priority. The first task by using remote sensing was to obtain actual data on the current condition of archaeological monuments located on the Kuibyshev reservoir shore, where the threat of destruction is maximized. Due to the fact, that most of the Volga-Bulgaria settlements, is located on the small rivers banks, the second task was geomorphological description of monuments placement in order to assess the risk of their destruction by natural processes. Third objective was to evaluate the role of the human factor in archaeological sites destruction. Ancient settlements under different types of negative impact were selected for the study. Deciphering of multitemporal remote sensing data allowed to assess the objects condition and to predict the risk of further damage. Additionally, it made able to correct the form of the Bulgars hillforts in comparison with existing plans, as well their size and location in the landscape, to restore the original appearance of destroyed fortified settlements, to determine precise coordinates for the further use of these data in the archaeological geographic information systems.

The paper presents the research undertaken in the coastal area of Kuibyshev Reservoir from Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The aim of the research is to assess the erosion rate of the coastline, to identify the most dynamic parts, and to improve the predictions of the future archaeological sites being under threat from coastal erosion. As a baseline, Soviet aerial images and topographic surveys were combined in a GIS in order to create a database and a 3D model of the coastline, which will serve as a base for future surveys. The most dynamic part is located in the North-western part, from 1958 until 1980 (22 years), 150 m from the coastline being eroded (6.81 m/year), leading to the complete disappearance of the hillfort, only the South-eastern bastion remaining. The coastline is very dynamic, with an increasing erosion rate from 2012, when the first topographic surveys were undertaken. There have been proposed mitigation measures, the most significant one is to completely eliminate the exploitation road along the coastline.

The paper presents the research undertaken in the coastal area of Kuibyshev Reservoir from Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The aim of the research is to assess the erosion rate of the coastline, to identify the most dynamic parts, and to improve the predictions of the future archaeological sites being under threat from coastal erosion. As a baseline, Soviet aerial images and topographic surveys were combined in a GIS in order to create a database and a 3D model of the coastline, which will serve as a base for future surveys. The most dynamic part is located in the Northwestern part, from 1958 until 1980 (22 years), 150 m from the coastline being eroded (6.81 m/year), leading to the complete disappearance of the hillfort, only the Southeastern bastion remaining. The coastline is very dynamic, with an increasing erosion rate from 2012, when the first topographic surveys were undertaken. There have been proposed mitigation measures, the most significant one is to completely eliminate the exploitation road along the coastline.