What is LiDAR used for in archaeology?
Verdict summary
Archaeologists use LiDAR to map ancient sites hidden under forest: it revealed thousands of Maya structures in Guatemala, ancient cities around Angkor in Cambodia, and Roman roads in Britain. It shows earthworks, walls, terraces and roads as shapes in the bare ground surface.
Much of the United States and many European countries now have free public LiDAR, so hobby researchers can look for old sites from home.
Sources: USGS 3DEP; Published LiDAR surveys (PACUNAM Maya survey, Angkor surveys).
Can LiDAR see underground? No. LiDAR cannot see underground; it measures the ground surface. Its power is seeing the bare earth under trees and brush, which reveals foundations, mounds, old roads, mine dumps and earthworks that are hidden by vegetation.
How do you find ghost towns? Ghost towns appear on old topographic maps, in old post-office lists and in mining-district records; comparing an old map with today's map shows towns that have gone. Many are on public land, but removing artifacts from historic sites on federal land is illegal.
Primary sources cited
- USGS 3DEP
- Published LiDAR surveys (PACUNAM Maya survey, Angkor surveys)