Non-invasive documentation of pre-Hispanic heritage with LiDAR technology
Pre-Hispanic archaeological site
Pre-Hispanic archaeological site
A documentation study for Phase I of four archaeological sites of interest required a non-invasive methodology to generate precise and reliable three-dimensional representations. The objective was to strengthen the documentation, conservation and interpretation of pre-Hispanic heritage.
The main challenge was mapping the subtle topographic variations that indicated the presence of ancient structures, often hidden under dense vegetation.
Client
Ministry of Culture of El Salvador
Location
El Salvador
Duration
Phase I
Area
≈237 blocks
An airborne LiDAR scanner mounted on a drone was used to perform systematic scanning of the four sites (total extent of ≈237 blocks). LiDAR technology was selected for its ability to penetrate foliage and acquire data directly from the terrain, allowing the generation of a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) that revealed microtopography and buried or covered structures.
This approach avoided any physical alteration to the sites, preserving their integrity.
The data acquisition and processing campaign resulted in complete digital documentation that exceeded project objectives.
4
Archaeological sites
237
Blocks mapped
100%
Non-invasive
The implementation of LiDAR technology not only optimizes the documentation process, which is the most truthful version that can be obtained of the structures, but also provides significant value to archaeological knowledge, allowing you to see the sites as a whole and discover their internal relationships.
This offers an unprecedented vision of Salvadoran cultural heritage for its conservation and study.
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