Aims and Objectives

Summary

In doing this expedition, the data recorded from an archaeological point and the study developed among the local communities can be critical to bridge communication between researchers and stakeholder, and the people living in the area close to the Maya sites. We aim to continue the current trend of promoting an efficient and sustainable method for recording and preserving large-scale areas with high historical/archaeological interest, while at the same time introducing the importance of recognizing the impacts of research activities on local populations.

Our main aims

The main aim of this proposed expedition is to promote the idea of REcovering small-scale ancient Maya Sites in Eastern Petén, Guatemala; in lieu of the colonial term of DIScovering sites. With this term, we want to refer both to the physical remains, as well as to the people living around the sites.

We intend to test and promote a cost-effective and quick method to record and analyse the physical archaeological remains in the Lowland Petén, Guatemala; at the same time as to understand the impact and relationship of these sites and their management over the people that currently live in its surroundings.

Primary objectives

The different objectives towards this aim can be summarised:

  1. Use remote sensing techniques (e.g. LiDAR) to record the digital twins (i.e. a virtual representation of a real-world system or product, which is used as a practical counterpart for simulations, decision-making or machine-learning tests) of the Maya sites, comparing terrestrial and airborne systems.
  2. Creation of digital twins of the core of sites (i.e. the central part of a site usually around the main Plaza, which contains the largest architecture) and deforested areas at the same time as the remote sensing data is being collected, aiming to amplify the possibilities of the collection process.
  3. Using Machine Learning to test the possibility of reducing the processing time for classifying and analysing the resulting remote sensing data for the identification of archaeological remains under the tropical forest
  4. Interview the local people around the sites, trying to understand the effects and repercussions of living next to these “abandoned” and touristy places.

Secondary objectives

In addition, subsidiary objectives include:

  1. Promote awareness among locals of the high historical value of these areas and the need of preserving them.
  2. Raise awareness among researchers (in-country and foreign) and companies of the impact of their studies and management of these sites on the local people.
  3. Develop attractive outcomes (models and documentary) to develop interest on these “smaller” sites for educational and tourist purposes.