In the constant whirlwind of technological advancements, developments of the future may make it seem far easier to forget about our past. However, quite the opposite is ringing true as drones and other robotic technologies are now being applied to help understand and protect our history.

Archeologists across the globe are using drones with the goal of speeding up surveying processes and protecting important historic sites. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gathering images of dig-sites that are more useful than ever, giving archeologists new views on old sites. The time spent by the drones to collect these images is significantly lower than the manual methods of the past, giving archeologists more time to focus on the project at hand.

Aerial images, that are collected every half second, are being combined to create 3D maps of the sites. Photos are gathered by the drones throughout the entirety of the dig process, helping to pinpoint exactly where the objects and structures were found as each layer of land was peeled back.

The 3D mapping and surveillance is saving archeologists valuable time that can now be used in targeting areas of interest rather than scouring large geographic areas. Some of the drones use lasers that bounce off of land structures to create a 3D image, while others can use thermal technologies to make discoveries that humans could not detect on their own.

The thermal technique was developed by Jesse Casana of the University of Arkansas. Casana is also looking into drone surveying that would  automate the task of locating new sites by looking for unusual patterns in the land, according to NBC News.

Commercial drones from companies like senseFly and Aurora Flight Sciences have already been used in the monitoring of archeological sites. Inevitably, other UAV companies will be added to that list as exploration continues. With over 13,000 sites in Peru and a mere allowance of $5 million, budgets for archeological missions are sometimes shafted. The inclusion of drones will help to increase precision and expand the area of land surveyed - for less.

This technique is also saving countries hundreds of thousands of dollars by using the drones to monitor wide areas for looters and illegal mining. In the past, thieves have stolen and sold billions of dollars worth of artifacts and art, not only taking invaluable goods but also depriving us of details in history.

This is not the first time that robots have been utilized in archeology. In fact, remote-controlled robots are also used to explore and discover areas of ancient ruins that humans can not access. With the use of camera and laser processing, images can be collected of tunnels, temples and taverns where it may be too small or dangerous for humans to venture.

Robotic technologies and automation will be major players in historical preservation and protection. It seems drones may be the key to unlocking pieces of our past.