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The Petén, Guatemala

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Maya of Guatemala

Biosphere Change Detection


The Petén, Guatemala
Remotely Sensed Features


TM satellite image created by ratioing Band 4 with Band 3. The white spots represent ancient Mayan temple structures beneath the forest canopy at the archeological site at Mirador, while the dark lines represent Mayan causeways and natural geologic features. Ground reconnaissance and sometimes excavation are required to separate the cultural from the natural features.

Graphic overlay of temple location and potential causeway at Mirador.

Photograph based on color infrared (CIR) image of the bajo to the immediate west of Mirador. The linear feature is a Mayan causeway. The causeways are artifacts from the past and assist in regional analysis since they provide insight into how Mayan cities were connected politically and economically.


Responsible Official: Dr. James L. Smoot (James.L.Smoot@nasa.gov)
Page Author: Tom Sever
Page Curator: Diane Samuelson (diane.samuelson@msfc.nasa.gov)