How do archaeologists find promising areas for excavations?

Usually they study history of the entire region and choose the spots the ancient settlements were situated or famous battles took place at. Also they use sattelite or helicopter surveys for locating areas where remains of ancient settlements are located.
This way, they tend to explore only the areas where existance of settlements is supported with factual evidence.
My idea is making archaeological explorations in the areas mentioned in legends and epos, like biblical Eden, Scandinavian Asgard etc.