Lidar

Definition

Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed three-dimensional maps of the Earth's surface. This technique is essential in archaeology for identifying and analyzing archaeological sites, particularly in dense vegetation areas where traditional methods may be less effective. Lidar can reveal subtle topographic features and help archaeologists uncover previously hidden structures or landscapes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lidar technology can penetrate forest canopies, allowing archaeologists to detect features on the ground that are obscured by vegetation.
2. This technology produces high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs), which can reveal ancient road systems, buildings, and other structures.
3. Lidar has been instrumental in discovering lost cities, such as the Maya city of Tikal, where it revealed hidden pyramids and other urban features.
4. The data collected from lidar can be integrated with other archaeological methods, enhancing overall site analysis and interpretation.
5. Lidar is increasingly being used in combination with drones, enabling more efficient and targeted data collection over large areas.

Review Questions

• How does lidar enhance the process of site identification in archaeology?
  • Lidar enhances site identification by providing detailed three-dimensional maps that can reveal hidden features beneath vegetation. This technology allows archaeologists to see topographic variations that might indicate the presence of archaeological sites. As a result, lidar can significantly increase the efficiency of surveys by pinpointing locations that warrant further investigation, ultimately leading to more discoveries and a deeper understanding of past human activity.
• Discuss the advantages of using lidar compared to traditional survey techniques in archaeological research.
  • Using lidar offers several advantages over traditional survey techniques. Lidar's ability to penetrate dense vegetation means that archaeologists can identify sites without extensive ground clearing or disturbance. The high-resolution data generated provides a level of detail that may not be achievable through conventional methods. Additionally, lidar allows for rapid data collection over large areas, making it more efficient for large-scale surveys and enabling archaeologists to assess vast landscapes quickly.
• Evaluate the impact of integrating lidar with GIS on archaeological interpretation and research methodologies.
  • Integrating lidar with GIS profoundly impacts archaeological interpretation and research methodologies by enhancing data analysis capabilities. This combination allows researchers to visualize spatial relationships between different archaeological features, analyze patterns over large areas, and create detailed maps that represent historical landscapes accurately. The synergy between lidar and GIS enables archaeologists to generate hypotheses about past human behavior based on the spatial distribution of artifacts and structures, thereby leading to more informed interpretations of historical contexts.

Related terms

Remote Sensing: The acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact, often using satellite or aerial imagery.

Photogrammetry: A technique that uses photographs to measure and create maps or 3D models of physical objects or landscapes.

Geographic Information System (GIS): A system designed to capture, store, analyze, and manage spatial or geographic data, often used in conjunction with lidar data for mapping and analysis.