How Crowdsourced Archaeology Could Help Solve the Mysteries of Peru

[Judi Lynn]

How Crowdsourced Archaeology Could Help Solve the Mysteries of Peru

Posted by Sarah Parcak of National Geographic Fellows Program in Explorers Journal on June 27, 2016

Help Decipher Ancient Secrets of Peru on Your Coffee Break

Satellite archaeologist and National Geographic Fellow Sarah Parcak wants to train a 21st-century army of global explorers to help find and protect ancient sites using a cutting-edge citizen science platform called Global Xplorer. When Global Xplorer launches in late 2016, participants will start with Peru. Here’s why it’s the perfect place to begin.

By Sarah Parcak

Archaeologists have studied the ancient city of Petra for more than 200 years. So I didn’t feel wildly hopeful about finding anything unknown when I did a satellite survey of the site in 2012. But then, there it was: a massive monumental platform. There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of unknown archaeological sites around the world, and new technology is helping us locate them. (See archaeologist Damian Evans’ recent LIDAR scan of Cambodia, which revealed multiple medieval cities in the jungle, each between 900 and 1,400 years old.)

I’m thrilled that Global Xplorer, the citizen science platform my team is developing with the 2016 TED Prize, will launch later this year. We’ll use the power of the crowd to locate unknown sites. But where to begin? There’s an entire world out there! I knew I wanted to start somewhere with a rich history. Somewhere where we could partner with key archaeologists to help explore what we find on the ground. Somewhere with breathtaking landscapes.



I’m excited to announce that Global Xplorer will launch in the country that’s the home to Machu Picchu, the Lord of Sipán, and the Nasca Lines: Peru. My team has started looking at high-resolution satellite imagery, and we’re already seeing potential sites, including what could be a new cemetery in the Nasca region. That’s four people looking for a few days. Imagine setting loose the world and having them look for months!

Below, four reasons why Peru is the perfect place to start this work.

More:
http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2016/06/27/how-crowdsourced-archaeology-could-help-solve-the-mysteries-of-peru/

[floppyboo]

1. I was recently in Peru

and came on to this thread because you rec'd one of mine. I am fascinated with Peru, not just because of all the ancient culture that surrounds you, but because of all the ancient culture. Pre-Incan is everywhere - and it is a shame that Incan culture, which survived shorter than the Spaniard's stay has become such a focus.
Also, Ayahaskua (sp?) tourism has over taken tourism to Machu Pichu - go figure.

All those stepped farming stuff - drive through the sacred valley - its every hillside. And living there, a few are being excavated with some gold mining grants while the kids in the schools are amazed at the present of a pencil.
New President, US backed, but better than the right wing drug cartel gal - they got rid of something like 5 good contenders on trumped up charges! And no one seems to fucking care - they are resigned to corrupt politicians since the Spanish and are happy if someone pays to paint their name on their house.

All to say, there may be treasures under our feet too that we tread over as we search out the next pencil.

I love exploring, but when you get down there and see the reality, it seems kinda rude.

[Judi Lynn]

2. So much awaits discovery there. Peru must have an amazing past long before the invaders,

and destroyers.

You chose a wonderful place to experience. I hope in time the true people of Peru will be able to overcome the living hell created for them by the racist conquerors, and take back the country which was home to their remarkable ancestors.

That must have been some trip. Lucky you!