Question

    Which technology was used to discover a lost Mayan city

    in the Mexican jungle?
    A GPS Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B RADAR Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C LiDAR Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D SONAR Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Discovery of Lost Mayan City Using LiDAR -       Location: Mexican jungle -       Discovery: Lost Mayan city revealed beneath dense vegetation -       Technology Used: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) , which penetrated the jungle canopy to reveal ancient structures What is LiDAR?                 -       Definition: A remote sensing method using light pulses to measure distances and create 3D surface models -       Accuracy: Can achieve up to 10 cm vertical accuracy (US Geological Survey) - Components: -       Laser: Emits rapid pulses toward the ground -       Scanner: Collects reflected light to measure distance -       GPS Receiver: Provides precise geographic location for each data point How Does LiDAR Work? - Process: -       Laser pulses are directed at surfaces (trees, buildings, ground) -       Light reflects back to the sensor -       The time for reflection is measured to calculate the distance -       GPS adds exact location data to each point, ensuring geographical accuracy Applications of LiDAR -       Forestry: Measures tree height and density -       Urban Planning: Maps infrastructure -       Archaeology: Reveals hidden sites (e.g., Mayan city) -       Environmental Science: Flood modeling and landscape change assessment Advantages of LiDAR -       Speed: Quickly covers large areas -       Accessibility: No need for physical ground access; ideal for dense or hard-to-reach areas -       Accuracy: Provides high-resolution terrain data useful for various scientific fields Limitations of LiDAR -       Cost: Expensive to deploy and operate -       Skill Requirement: Requires skilled operators and specialized equipment -       Weather Sensitivity: Heavy rain or fog can reduce data quality

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