Recently, the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology has revolutionised archaeological practices, revealing lost civilisations previously obscured by dense vegetation. Notably, a recently discovered Mayan city named Valeriana in Mexico’s Campeche region exemplifies the profound impact of this technology on understanding historical societies.
About LiDAR
LiDAR is a remote sensing method that employs laser light to measure distances between a sensor and the Earth’s surface. By emitting rapid pulses of laser light, it captures the time taken for the light to return after hitting various surfaces. This data is processed alongside GPS and Inertial Measurement System (IMS) information to create detailed three-dimensional models of the terrain. Remarkably, LiDAR can achieve vertical accuracy of up to 10 cm, making it a powerful tool for mapping landscapes.
How LiDAR Works
The LiDAR system consists of three main components – a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver. As the laser beam travels to the ground, it interacts with objects, including vegetation and man-made structures. The reflected light is recorded by the sensor, which calculates the distance based on the time taken for the light to return. This process generates a “point cloud” of data, representing all surfaces in the scanned area. Advanced processing techniques can refine this data to create a “bare earth” Digital Elevation Model, stripping away vegetation and structures to reveal the underlying topography.
Applications in Archaeology
LiDAR has emerged as a transformative tool for archaeologists, allowing them to survey vast areas without the labour-intensive methods traditionally employed. For instance, Luke Auld-Thomas’s discovery of Valeriana illustrates how LiDAR can uncover complex urban layouts, including plazas, pyramids, and reservoirs, that would otherwise remain hidden. This efficiency enables researchers to focus on larger geographical areas, enhancing the understanding of ancient civilisations.
Significance of Discoveries
The discovery of Valeriana not only contributes to the knowledge of the Mayan civilisation but also marks the potential for finding additional settlements. The city features architectural elements typical of a Classic Maya political capital, indicating a sophisticated society. Such findings challenge previous assumptions about the extent of Mayan habitation and governance, suggesting that many more sites await discovery, potentially reshaping historical narratives.
Future Implications
The continued use of LiDAR in archaeology promises to unveil more hidden sites and enrich our understanding of human history. As technology advances, the integration of LiDAR with other remote sensing techniques may provide even deeper vital information about the socio-political dynamics of ancient civilisations. Moreover, the accessibility of LiDAR data encourages collaboration among researchers, enhancing global archaeological efforts.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of LiDAR technology in modern archaeology.
- How has the discovery of Valeriana impacted our understanding of the Mayan civilisation?
- What are the advantages of using remote sensing technologies in archaeological research?
- Examine the potential challenges and limitations associated with LiDAR in archaeological contexts.
- How can LiDAR technology contribute to environmental conservation efforts?
