Scientists have detected a lost Mayan city Valeriana in Mexico using LiDAR technology. The city was hidden for centuries by the dense Mexican jungle, . The city was said to have disappeared under jungle canopy in Mexico.
- They believe it is second in density only to Calakmul, thought to be the largest Maya site in ancient Latin America.
- Valeriana has the “hallmarks of a capital city” and was second only in density of buildings to the spectacular Calakmul site, around 100km away (62 miles).
About LiDAR
- LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (or variable distances) of a sensor, usually mounted aboard an aircraft, to Earth’s surface.
- Two types of lidar are topographic and bathymetric. Topographic lidar typically uses a near-infrared laser to map the land, while bathymetric lidar uses water-penetrating green light to also measure seafloor and riverbed elevations.
- LiDAR data can be used to create high-resolution 3-D models of ground elevation with a vertical accuracy of upto 10 cm, according to the US Geological Survey. LiDAR instrumentation comprises a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver.
- The rapidly firing laser travels to the ground where it hits vegetation, building, and various topographic features. This light is reflected or scattered, and recorded by the LiDAR sensor.
- The LiDAR data can be further refined to produce what scientists call a “bare earth” Digital Elevation Model, in which structures and vegetation are stripped away.
- LiDAR is used to generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
- This is obviously very useful information for geographers, policy makers, conservationists, and engineers.
- In recent years, however, LiDAR has also shown potential as a tool of archaeological discovery.
- LiDAR allows researchers to study much larger swathes of land quickly in the comfort of a home or lab.
- Lidar systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility.
- Lidar can be used to measure the distance from the water’s surface to the seabed, a process called bathymetry.
