A new archaeological field survey of the site of Nan Madol, Pohnpei

A high-precision GPS survey of Nan Madol, Pohnpei, reveals the full extent and layout of its artificial islets, providing the first comprehensive digital map of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study updates century-old cartography by Paul Hambruch, offering a detailed GIS dataset available via tDAR for future research. Additionally, it compiles variant place names from historical literature and incorporates oral traditions to clarify the site's ceremonial and administrative functions. This baseline database aims to standardize nomenclature and deepen understanding of ancient Pohnpeian society.

McCoy, M. D., Alderson, H. A., & Thompson, A. (2015). A new archaeological field survey of the site of Nan Madol, Pohnpei. Rapa Nui Journal, 29(1), 5–22. https://doi.org/10.1353/rnj.2015.0000