Palestra partners with El Salvador’s Ministry of Culture for LiDAR Archaeological Survey

We are honored to announce that Palestra has formalized a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Culture of El Salvador to undertake an advanced archaeological mapping and surveying initiative throughout the nation. This endeavor will employ LiDAR-equipped unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to document and explore El Salvador’s profound historical landscape.

LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, utilizes high-frequency laser pulses to produce detailed, high-resolution 3D representations of terrain and subsurface elements. Its capacity to penetrate dense vegetative cover renders it an essential instrument for revealing archaeological features concealed beneath forest canopies, enabling a non-invasive examination of historical sites.

Scheduled to commence later this year, operations will encompass both established archaeological sites and unexplored regions of the country.

The initiative seeks to enhance scholarly and public understanding of El Salvador’s pre-Columbian heritage, encompassing the contributions of the Maya and other Indigenous civilizations. The comprehensive datasets generated, comprising topographical and structural models, will be meticulously analyzed to develop educational resources, permanent exhibits, and digital archives, enriching cultural preservation and engagement.

This project draws upon proven archaeological techniques. In Guatemala’s El Mirador basin, LiDAR exposed extensive urban infrastructures and monumental architecture previously masked by dense jungle. Likewise, at Copán in Honduras, it facilitated refined delineations of elaborate ceremonial complexes. We similarly notable insights in El Salvador.

Palestra views this partnership with the Ministry of Culture as a vital contribution to the documentation and stewardship of El Salvador’s historical legacy for future generations.

We invite you to follow progress this year.