Google Earth and exploring the sites of archaeological stone structures in the north, northwest, and west of Saudi Arabia
Abstract: This article discusses the usage of Google Earth for exploration in the field of archaeological research. Through its various editions (web platform, computer programs, mobile applications, etc.), it provides high-resolution images that help in the exploration of new archaeological sites in different regions. The article reviews some selected examples of stone structures in the north, northwest, and west of Saudi Arabia that Google Earth has helped to explore and identify. The article seeks to evaluate the feasibility of using Google Earth in archaeological research and to what extent it contributes to finding solutions to the challenges of field archaeological surveys in vast desert areas that are difficult to survey and explore by ground survey. The article focuses on providing scientific material in Arabic for specialists, enthusiasts, and students of archaeology on the usage of Google Earth in the field of archaeological research of stone structures in Saudi Arabia to build scientific knowledge in Arabic to keep pace with modern scientific advances in the field of archaeological survey. Keywords: archaeology, Google Earth, satellite images, stone structures, exploration, archaeological survey, archaeological sites, archaeological excavations.