LiDAR landscapes and changing models of American interaction

Environmental LiDAR revealed Valeriana's monumental Maya architecture, dense settlement, water infrastructure, and possible early E-Group, while Belize canopy research links ancient Maya land use with modern forest ecology. Nasca–Wari funerary evidence and digitally enhanced Chalcatzingo cave paintings add major questions about imperial-local relationships, ritual, and writing, but remain preliminary. Near Machu Picchu, reported LiDAR discoveries likewise await validation and secure chronology.