Archaeology has undergone one of its most profound transformations in recent decades thanks to the incorporation of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a technology initially conceived for geospatial applications that has proven to be a very useful tool for archaeology.a technology initially conceived for geospatial applications that has demonstrated a revolutionary potential in the exploration of the past. revolutionary potential in the exploration of the past.. If you still don’t know how this technology works, we invite you to read our specialized article What is LiDAR and how does it work?where we explain it in depth.
In this article, we will focus specifically on how LiDAR has transformed archaeology. how LiDAR has transformed archaeology, its many applicationsIts multiple applications, the advantages it offers over traditional methods and real cases that illustrate its impact on the knowledge of cultural heritage.
LiDAR Applications in Modern Archaeology
The use of LiDAR in archaeology has marked a turning point in the way archaeological sites are identified, documented and studied. archaeological sites are identified, documented and studied.. Your ability to penetrating the vegetation and generating detailed digital terrain models allows access to information that was previously literally invisible.
Detection of structures under vegetation cover
One of the most outstanding applications of LiDAR in archaeology is its ability to reveal hidden structures in areas densely covered by vegetation. reveal hidden structures in areas densely covered by vegetation.. This is possible because the laser pulses pass through the foliage and reach the groundregistering thousands of points per second. The result is a point cloud which, when processed, generates a high-precision topographic modeleven in environments where visibility is zero for the human eye or conventional cameras.
This use has been key in the discovery of discovery of Mayan cities in the Guatemalan jungle, where LiDAR-generated models have revealed networks of roads, agricultural terraces, water channels, walls and pyramidswhere LiDAR-generated models have revealed networks of roads, agricultural terraces, water channels, walls and pyramids completely hidden under the dense jungle canopy.
2. Mapping and documentation of large areas
The airborne LiDARspecially mounted on drones or aircraft, allows to scan large areas of to scan large areas of land in a short time.. This makes it an ideal tool for projects that are looking for mapping large regions where scattered archaeological sites may exist. Instead of relying on extensive field campaigns, archaeologists can pre-select areas of interest based on LiDAR data, optimizing time, resources and personnel.data, optimizing time, resources and personnel.
3. Monitoring of archaeological sites
Another relevant application is the monitoring of known archaeological sites. By comparing digital models captured at different points in time, it is possible to detect alterations caused by erosion, environmental changes, human activity or natural processes. This monitoring capacity over time is essential to is essential for designing conservation strategies.
4. Virtual reconstruction of ancient landscapes
The three-dimensional models generated from point clouds allow for the allow digitally reconstruct historical landscapes. This information can be integrated into 3D visualization or augmented realityIt is a powerful tool for scientific dissemination and heritage education. It is a powerful tool for museums, academic institutions and cultural tourism organizations..
5. Support for predictive archaeology
The artificial intelligence and spatial analysis algorithms applied to LiDAR data allow to identify identify geographic patterns in the distribution of archaeological remains.. This results in predictive models that estimate the probability of finding new reservoirs, guiding futureThe results of these models will guide future research on a sound scientific basis.
Advantages of the Use of LiDAR in Archaeological Investigations
Compared to traditional methods, LiDAR represents a significant evolution represents a significant evolution. Prior to its adoption, archaeological prospection relied on techniques such as the aerial observation with analog photographysurveys reconnaissance walks (surveys)surveys, georadar georadar studies studies or exploratory excavations.
Each of these methods had considerable limitations: aerial photography was obstructed by vegetationAerial photography was obstructed by vegetation; foot reconnaissance was slow and fragmentary; georadar, while accurate, required systematic and physically demanding coverage; and excavations were expensive, invasive, and slow.
LiDAR solves many of these barriers:
- Non-intrusiveIt allows to study the ground without physically altering the deposit, which is crucial for its preservation.
- High resolutionCan detect millimeter detail, even subtle changes in topography, making it ideal for identifying low lying or eroded structures.
- Speed and efficiencyCan cover in a matter of hours what would take weeks or months with traditional methods.
- Vegetation penetrationIts ability to detect terrain through foliage makes it the most effective tool in jungle or forest environments.
- Data reuseA single capture can later be analyzed for different purposes or updated as new algorithms are developed.
These advantages make LiDAR LiDAR not only complements, but in many cases replaces traditional traditional methods in the preliminary phase of archaeological exploration.
Case Studies: Rediscovering the Past with LiDAR
The results of the use of LiDAR in archaeology are convincing. At the international level, there have been spectacular findings that would have been impossible to make with conventional methods..
Guatemala and the lost Mayan cities
One of the most media-worthy cases was the 2018 discovery of more than 60,000 Maya structures in Petén, Guatemala, thanks to an aerial LiDAR scan that covered over 2,000 km² of 2,000 km².. The technology revealed a complex interconnected urban network with elevated causeways, hydraulic canals, pyramids and terraced cultivation areas. This finding radically changed the perception of the scale of of the scale of urbanization and social organization of the Maya.
Cambodia: the hidden city of Mahendraparvata
In the Cambodian jungle, LiDAR was used to unearth the ancient city of Mahendraparvata. unearth the ancient city of Mahendraparvata.a metropolis of the Khmer empire buried under the jungle of Phnom Kulen. Laser imaging revealed a complete urban layout with temples, reservoirs and complex road planning, which until then was only hypothesized based on historical texts.which until then was only a hypothesis based on historical texts.
Spain: PNOA LiDAR Project
In the Spanish case, the National Plan for Aerial Orthophotography (PNOA) has been a key project to democratize democratize access to high resolution LiDAR data.. Thanks to this initiative, researchers and administrations have access to a complete coverage of the Spanish territorywhich has facilitated the identification of Roman, medieval and prehistoric identification of Roman, Medieval and prehistoric remains hidden under forests hidden under forests, cultivated fields or eroded hills.
In combination with GIS tools, these data are helping to create a more complete and updated inventory of the national archaeological heritage. helping to create a more complete and up-to-date inventory of the national archaeological heritageoften without the need to set foot in the field.
LiDAR Data Processing and Analysis in Archaeology
The true value of LiDAR is in the processing of the data it generates. processing of the data it generates. The initial capture – which consists of millions of points per second – produces a raw point cloud. In order for this information to be useful, it is required a specialized treatment.
Processing includes:
- Point classificationAutomatically separate points from soil, vegetation, buildings or noise.
- Filtering and cleaning: Eliminate erroneous, duplicated or interference-generated data.
- DTM and DEM generationTerrain models with and without surface elements.
- Conversion to GIS and CAD formats: Integrate data into spatial analysis or technical design platforms.
In archaeology, this phase is critical critical. Correct classification can make the difference between identifying a buried structure or mistaking it for a natural irregularity. In addition, the processed data can be combined with multispectral images, old maps or documentary information, enriching interpretation and providingenriching the interpretation and providing a more holistic view of the holistic view of the historic landscape..
The Future of LiDAR in Archaeological Exploration
The trend is clear: LiDAR is consolidating as an indispensable tool in archaeology. as an indispensable tool in archaeology.. Advances in sensors lighter, more efficient and economical will allow their use to expand beyond large institutional projects. Universities, museums, local associations and even amateurs will be able to access this will be able to access this technology to explore their explore their environment and contribute to heritage conservation..
In addition, the integration with artificial intelligence will allow automate pattern detectionpattern detection predictive archaeology with greater accuracy y accelerate documentation and analysis processes. The use of three-dimensional models for education, interactive museography and heritage tourism..
In this new paradigm, LiDAR is not just a technology, but a catalyst that redefines the limits of archaeological knowledge. catalyst that redefines the limits of archaeological knowledge, opening upopening new new windows to the past from the present.
