Application of geographic information technologies for the archaeological study of the Mesoamerican corridor in southern Honduras

Abstract

This paper describes the application of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in a first approach to archaeological research Mesoamerican corridor passing through southern Honduras. The study area covers large areas of the departments of Choluteca and Valle, representing an under-researched area of great anthropological importance.

One of the main objectives of this work has been the recognition and recording of archaeological sites using non-intrusive techniques, necessary action at an early stage for the protection of cultural heritage in the region of Honduras. We used images from sensors, ALI, TM and ETM + in a period between 1990 and 2011, which have been co-registered and processed for conversion to a common radiometric scale. Filters have been applied and calculated indices correlate allowed soil and vegetation parameters with identifying archaeological structures. Material samples taken in situ measured in field and laboratory with an ASD field spectroradiometer pro, in order to generate spectral patterns to facilitate automatic recognition of other archaeological remains counterparts. The sites have been checked and georeferenced by GPS global positioning, validating the positive cases in thematic mapping generated from images. Finally, we present the results and exploratory analyzes initiated by GIS techniques for understanding and geomorphological spatial relationships between the main settlements and cultures prehispanos driver on the road representing the Central Corridor.

Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Volumen 8, Número 2 Otoño, 2015; 371-390