One of the advantages of LIDAR topography data is the ability to “see through” vegetation so to speak. The light beams aren’t actually seeing through physical objects, but because of the high density of LIDAR pixels, some of the beams in a vegetated area see through the canopy to the ground surface. The vegetation can then be screened out of the data using post-processing. This kind of “bare earth” imagery was recently used by archaeologists in New England to locate “lost” settlements that dated back to the 18th century. [Source: Read more about this discovery and application of LIDAR imagery at National Geographic via ASCE SmartBrief. Image: National Geographic]
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Columbus Era Aztec Emperor’s Tomb Found with GPR
Archaeologists beleive that they may have found the tomb of Aztec emperor Ahuizotl (ah-WEE-zoh-tuhl). Using ground-penetrating radar, they have detected underground chambers that could contain the remains of Ahuizotl, who ruled the Aztecs when Columbus landed in the New World.
This find would not have been possible were it not for strong earthquake in 1985 that severely damaged a Colonial Spanish building. Buildings of this type were built a top the Aztec ruins and are considered too valuable to remove for excavations. Apparently, before this find, no Aztec emperor’s tomb had ever been found at this location despite writings describing an Aztec ceremonial center because Spanish conquerors constructed over the site. Read on for the full story link. (Photo by Grabthar)