Archaeological LiDAR Survey - Valley of the Latte

Topographic mapping for archaeological purposes

Client

Valley of the Latte

Project Type

Topographic Mapping

Location

Talofofo, Guam

Project Overview

Valley of the Latte is a historically significant cultural site where ancient Latte Stones, remnants of early Chamorro civilization, have been discovered. However, less than 10% of the land has been cleared, leaving vast areas unexplored with the potential for further archaeological discoveries.

To aid in uncovering hidden historical features, 2cofly partnered with Valley of the Latte to conduct a LiDAR survey, using drone-mounted laser scanning technology to penetrate dense vegetation and reveal the bare-earth terrain underneath. This cutting-edge approach allowed researchers to identify ancient trails, structures, and landscape features, supporting the site's ongoing historical and archaeological research efforts.

The Challenge

Traditional archaeological fieldwork at Valley of the Latte faced several challenges:

Dense Vegetation Covering Unexplored Areas – Only a small portion of the land had been cleared for study, leaving potential archaeological sites hidden beneath thick foliage.
Difficult Terrain & Limited Accessibility – Certain areas of interest, particularly along mountainous trails, were challenging to explore by foot.
Need for a Non-Invasive Exploration Method – Clearing large areas for surveying could disturb the natural and historical integrity of the site.

LiDAR technology provided the perfect solution by allowing researchers to digitally remove vegetation from the landscape, revealing features that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Approach & Methodology

LiDAR-Based Aerial Survey for Archaeological Discovery

✔ Drone-Mounted LiDAR Scanning – Emitted laser pulses penetrated dense foliage to generate a high-resolution 3D point cloud of the landscape.

✔ Bare-Earth Terrain Mapping – Processed LiDAR data to remove vegetation and expose subtle topographical features, trails, and possible man-made structures.

Data Processing & Feature Identification

✔ Surface Models & Elevation Data – Created Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to analyze terrain modifications potentially made by past civilizations.

✔ Trail & Feature Detection – Identified historical pathways leading up the mountains, along with other unusual land formations that may indicate previous human activity.

Deliverables Provided

✔ High-Resolution 3D LiDAR Point Cloud – Providing researchers with a detailed topographic representation of the Valley of the Latte.

✔ Digital Elevation Model (DEM) – Highlighting natural and man-made features hidden beneath the surface.

✔ Overlay Maps for Future Study – Offering archaeologists a visual guide for targeted excavation and analysis.

Results & Project Impact

✔ Uncovering Hidden Trails & Historical Features

The LiDAR scan successfully revealed ancient trails, structures, and other land features, offering valuable insights into past human activity at the site.

✔ Supporting Archaeological Research & Future Exploration

Following 2cofly’s findings, the property owner is now looking to hire an archaeologist to conduct further study and analysis, reinforcing the site’s cultural and historical significance.

✔ Non-Intrusive & Environmentally Friendly Exploration

LiDAR provided a fast and non-invasive method for site discovery, eliminating the need for ground disturbance while still offering precise and actionable data.

Conclusion

This archaeological LiDAR survey at Valley of the Latte demonstrates how drone technology is revolutionizing historical research and exploration. By digitally uncovering hidden landscapes, 2cofly has provided archaeologists and historians with an unprecedented opportunity to study Guam’s rich past without disrupting the site’s natural integrity.

For organizations, researchers, and landowners interested in archaeological mapping, historical site documentation, or advanced landscape analysis, 2cofly offers cutting-edge drone solutions that unlock new possibilities for discovery.

2cofly (pronounced Ecofly) is Micronesia's leading drone service and education provider. Our core competency lies in remote sensing via various sensing technologies such as photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal and more.

Few key deliverables we can output with our drones & sensors: