Discovering ancient Maya settlements using airborne radar elevation data |
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Authors: | Thomas G. Garrison,Bruce Chapman,Stephen Houston,Edwin Romá n,Jose Luis Garrido Ló pez |
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Affiliation: | 1. Umeå Universitet, HUMlab, Humanisthuset A4 Korridoren, 90187 Umeå, Sweden;2. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA;3. Brown University, Department of Anthropology, Box 1921, Providence, RI 02912, USA;4. University of Texas at Austin, Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies, SRH 1.310, Mailcode D0800, Austin, TX 78712, USA;5. Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala |
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Abstract: | This report presents the results of using NASA/JPL airborne synthetic aperture radar data (AIRSAR) to detect ancient Maya settlements beneath jungle canopy in Guatemala. AIRSAR stands out from previous applications of radar remote sensing in the Maya lowlands because of its canopy-penetrating capabilities. The authors offer an overview of the AIRSAR technology, followed by a case study in which the AIRSAR data receive testing in the field. Reconnaissance in the region around the Maya site of El Zotz led to the discovery of two new sites, including the medium-sized settlement of La Avispa. AIRSAR also aided archaeologists in detecting zones of residential settlement around the site core of El Zotz. This research will serve as a guide for future applications of radar remote sensing in Maya archaeology. |
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Keywords: | Maya Remote sensing AIRSAR El Zotz La Avispa |
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