NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Tulane University will take a leading role in a $10 million global initiative to transform how archaeologists uncover ancient civilizations under dense tropical landscapes.

Tulane's Middle American Research Institute will spearhead the initiative in Costa Rica and Peru. The aim is to help make high-resolution lidar (light detection and ranging) mapping more accessible in regions where archaeological research is hindered by dense vegetation.

Airborne lidar can reveal the contours of ancient buildings, roadways and settlements hidden under thick forest canopies. The initiative will span multiple continents, particularly in Central and South America.

In Costa Rica, Tulane will work with collaborators to survey over 1,000 kilometers across five major zones. These includ

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