An iterative 3D GIS analysis of the role of visibility in ancient Maya landscapes: A case study from Copan, Honduras

A groundbreaking study reveals that the ancient Maya at Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Honduras, strategically designed their landscape to convey sociopolitical messages through visibility. The research demonstrates that built forms were organized within the natural environment to create spatial configurations that sent targeted visual signals, influencing daily social interactions and perceptions. This was achieved using an innovative iterative 3D GIS analysis combining computational and experiential approaches, leveraging technologies like airborne LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry. The findings highlight how visibility played a pivotal role in structuring everyday experiences, bridging sensory perception and spatial organization.

Richards-Rissetto, H. (2017). An iterative 3D GIS analysis of the role of visibility in ancient Maya landscapes: A case study from Copan, Honduras. Digital Scholarship in the Humanities, 32(suppl_2), ii195–ii212. https://doi.org/10.1093/llc/fqx014