Uncovering Ancient Coastal Engineering from Above

Off the coast of Florida lie hidden traces of remarkable environmental engineering – artificial islands and coastal structures built by indigenous peoples centuries ago. Using cutting-edge LiDAR technology, our team is mapping these submerged and eroded landscapes to understand how past societies shaped their coastal environments. By combining aerial scanning with advanced modeling, we’re uncovering how these engineered landscapes supported complex civilizations and continue to influence coastal dynamics today. This research not only illuminates a fascinating chapter of human ingenuity but also provides crucial insights for modern coastal management and climate adaptation strategies.

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Nicolas Gauthier
Assistant Curator, AI for Cultural and Biological Diversity

My research interests include human ecology, complex adaptive systems, and paleoclimatology.

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