Teledyne LiDAR Reveals Extensive Maya Civilization

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--()--Tonight at 9:00 PM Eastern, Lost Treasures of the Maya Snake Kings will premiere on National Geographic. The one-hour documentary will describe how airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveys revealed a civilization far more vast than previously believed. The LiDAR surveys were conducted with Teledyne Optech’s Titan airborne remote sensing system, the world’s first multispectral airborne LiDAR.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM) via the University of Houston, Texas, was the first customer of the Teledyne Optech Titan sensor. In 2016, NCALM partnered with Fundación Patrimonio Cultural y Natural Maya (Maya Heritage and Nature Foundation), also known as PACUNAM, to survey an area in the dense jungle of Guatemala believed to contain Maya ruins using the Titan LiDAR system. As described by one of the lead archaeologists, “the survey was the most important development in Maya archaeology in 100 years.”

The Teledyne Optech Titan LiDAR sends laser pulses at three different laser wavelengths (532, 1064, and 1550 nm) and collects range and return amplitude, or intensity, information at each of the three wavelengths in daytime or nighttime. By merging the point clouds from all three LiDAR channels, surveyors can determine the relative reflectance of targets along each wavelength, allowing differentiation of soil, asphalt, grass, trees and buildings.

“Teledyne is exceptionally proud to have contributed to this discovery and will continue to develop leading-edge LiDAR technology in support of an increasing array of applications,” said Robert Mehrabian, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Teledyne.

About Teledyne Optech

Teledyne Optech is a world leader in high-accuracy LiDAR 3D survey systems, integrated cameras, and productivity-enhancing workflows. With operations and staff worldwide, Teledyne Optech offers both standalone and fully integrated LiDAR and camera solutions for airborne mapping, airborne LiDAR bathymetry, mobile mapping, terrestrial laser scanning, mine cavity monitoring, and industrial process control, as well as space-proven sensors. For more information, visit Teledyne Optech’s website at www.teledyneoptech.com.

About Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated instrumentation, digital imaging products and software, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne Technologies’ operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne Technologies’ website at www.teledyne.com.

Contacts

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Jason VanWees, (805) 373-4542

Contacts

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Jason VanWees, (805) 373-4542