How lidar technology is revolutionizing archaeology, allowing for rapid documentation of ancient sites from above.

Archaeology is facing a race against time. As urban sprawl, industrial agriculture, climate change, and conflict destroy ancient sites, traditional excavation methods are no longer sufficient to document the full extent of human history. However, a new technology called lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is changing the game, allowing archaeologists to map and document ancient settlements from the sky in a matter of hours.

The New Age of Archaeology: Mapping from the Sky
Archaeology has always been a labor-intensive field, with traditional excavations taking years to uncover even a fraction of a site’s history. But many of the world’s ancient sites are under increasing threat from modern-day destruction. Urban development is covering ancient ruins with concrete and asphalt, while climate change, war, and water shortages are accelerating the decay of archaeological heritage.

In response, archaeologists are turning to lidar, a powerful remote sensing technology that has drastically changed the way ancient sites are discovered and studied. Lidar works by emitting laser pulses from a mounted transmitter (often attached to a helicopter or drone) and measuring how long it takes for the light to return to the sensor. This data allows scientists to generate highly detailed, 3D maps of the landscape, revealing features that would have been difficult or even impossible to see from the ground.

How Lidar Works
Unlike traditional ground surveys, lidar can quickly map vast areas of land with incredible accuracy. The laser pulses can penetrate dense foliage, uncovering structures hidden beneath trees, soil, or other vegetation. A lidar survey that might take years of manual labor can now be completed in a single afternoon, providing a comprehensive view of the entire site’s layout.

The resulting 3D models offer unprecedented detail. Archaeologists can see everything from the contours of ancient roads and city layouts to the subtle markings left by human activity, all at millimeter-scale resolution. The ability to create virtual maps of ancient settlements without disturbing the site physically has also made lidar an invaluable tool for preserving sites that are at risk of destruction.

Revolutionizing the Field of Archaeology
Lidar has become especially useful for sites that are too remote or endangered to excavate traditionally. It has allowed researchers to rediscover lost cities, identify previously unknown archaeological features, and document fragile structures before they’re lost to time. For example, lidar has played a key role in uncovering the vast and complex network of ancient Mayan cities in Central America, many of which were previously hidden beneath thick jungle canopies.

The technology is also transforming the way archaeologists approach excavation. Instead of relying solely on ground-based exploration, lidar gives archaeologists a bird’s-eye view of an entire region, allowing them to prioritize areas for excavation and focus on sites that are most likely to yield valuable discoveries.

The Future of Archaeology
As lidar technology continues to improve, the possibilities for archaeology are expanding. It is likely that the future of archaeological fieldwork will involve a combination of traditional excavation methods and advanced remote sensing technologies like lidar. This synergy will not only speed up the discovery of new sites but will also enhance efforts to preserve and protect the world’s archaeological heritage.

By mapping the past from above, lidar is helping to uncover centuries of human history in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. As urbanization, climate change, and conflict continue to threaten archaeological sites, lidar is proving to be an invaluable tool for ensuring that ancient history is not lost to the ages.