1. Modern Technology for Ancient Analysis: LiDAR at Aztalan State Park By Colleen A. Hermans Image by Randy Roberts

2. Overview Why is Aztalan important? LiDAR specs for the area Examples and comparisons of images Benefits of using LiDAR for archaeology Looking towards the future Platform Mound and Palisade Wall Image from the Wisconsin Historical Society

3. Aztalan: 1000 – 1200 AD,Middle Mississippian Village Cahokia: Cultural Center from 700 – 1400 AD; peak 1050-1200 AD Image from www.legendsofamerica.com

4. Jefferson County Aztalan

5. LiDAR data and specs used LiDAR flown over north half of Jefferson County in 2004 by Merrick and Company Products derived: 2’ contours, DTM, Ortho, planimetrics TINs created from the 2’ contours used by our floodplain program Ann Runyard from DNR extracted the nodes and created a seamless TIN from 2 overlapping TINs Mark Dudzik, DNR archaeologist, consulted

6. Contours derived from using a transit station Time intensive 1 week, all day Need to be nearby in order to survey on foot Image courtesy of Mark Dudzik, DNR

7. 2’ Contour map of Aztalan Previous transit station contour area

8. Aztalan 2X vertical 1. Northwest Mound: built in 3 stages 2. Southwest Mound: largest mound 3. Natural gravel knoll 4. Remnant mound 5. Row of Conical Mounds 5 1 4? 2 3

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10. Southwest platform Northwest platform mound N Image from the Wisconsin Historical Society Southwest platform mound through stockade N Image from the Wisconsin Historical Society Image from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Anthropology

11. 2008 NAIP

12. DOP vs. LiDAR: Conical Mounds

13. Conical Cross Sections

14. N Conical Mounds Image from the Wisconsin Historical Society

15. East Bank Erosion pothole

16. East Bank Cross Section Data

17. DOP vs. LiDAR LiDAR advantage: Penetrates foliage 2008 NAIP

18. Benefits of LiDAR Monitor/preserve known existing sites over a large terrain (that can be difficult to navigate) Discover new sites Depending on the LiDAR density, can be very accurate Contour lines – more time efficient than using a total station LiDAR is to mound sites as aerial imagery is to Nazca lines in Peru

19. Example of better LiDAR Another Example: Effigy Mound National Monument by Continental Mapping; found new mound; 15 cm vertical accuracy Image from New York Times, courtesy of Caracol Archaeological Project

20. Future of LiDAR and Archaeology Sharing of data across professions and agencies Statewide data! CGI of Aztalan Create 3D mound depictions similar to creating buildings in cities

21. Image courtesy of Friends of Aztalan

22. Questions? Colleen.Hermans@wisconsin.gov Image by Daniel Seurer