After swapping machetes and binoculars for computer screens and laser mapping, a team of researchers have stumbled on a lost Maya city of temple pyramids, enclosed plazas and a reservoir, all of which had been hidden for centuries by the Mexican jungle.
Using lidar, anthropologist Luke Auld-Thomas discovered ancient Maya settlements that were previously obscured by dense vegetation, revealing a far greater understanding of the civilization's reach and sophistication.
Auld-Thomas's innovative approach demonstrated that while traditional archaeological methods can be effective, modern technologies like lidar enable researchers to uncover hidden structures and landscapes much faster.
This discovery not only expands the geographic knowledge of the Maya civilisation but also showcases the potential for integrating technology from different scientific fields to enhance archaeological research.
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