LIDAR technology democratizing archaeology for independent researchers

LIDAR technology democratizing archaeology for independent researchers. LIDAR drone costs dropping from $150,000 per flight to $60,000 per unit Independent researchers can now conduct archaeological surveys without university approval or grants Announcement of upcoming major LIDAR initiative in US, South America, and Polynesian world

LIDAR drone costs have dropped dramatically from $150,000 per flight to around $60,000 per unit, allowing independent researchers to conduct archaeological surveys without university backing. A major initiative is planned across the US, South America, and the Polynesian world, including the largest independent Amazonian scan. All data will be shared with local indigenous communities. LIDAR can achieve precision down to the size of a golf ball — remarkable democratization of the technology. 📡🔍

Key Facts

• LIDAR drone costs dropping from $150,000 per flight to $60,000 per unit
• Independent researchers can now conduct archaeological surveys without university approval or grants
• Announcement of upcoming major LIDAR initiative in US, South America, and Polynesian world
• Plans for largest independent Amazonian LIDAR scan
• All data will be shared with local indigenous communities
• Discussion of Moundville archaeological site scanning in Alabama
• LIDAR can achieve precision down to the size of a golf ball

Source: Quest For Ancients: 2nd Sphinx Panel by The Randall Carlson