Laser Drone Uncovers Ancient Shelters in Blue Mountains

A revolutionary drone equipped with LiDAR technology has successfully identified three new Aboriginal rock shelters within a small section of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage site. This advanced system uses laser beams to 'disappear' dense vegetation, creating highly accurate 3D maps of the terrain and revealing hidden features.

The newly discovered shelters contain significant cultural artifacts, including red hand stencils and stone tools, providing evidence of continuous Indigenous habitation stretching back thousands of years. These findings are generating excitement among archaeologists and Indigenous communities alike.

Researchers believe this technology could lead to the identification of hundreds, if not thousands, of similar ancient sites across the vast UNESCO site and in other challenging terrains worldwide. It offers a powerful tool for archaeological exploration in areas previously inaccessible or too dense to survey effectively.

The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage site, recognized for its biodiversity and unique eucalyptus landscapes, is vast and difficult to traverse. Historically, only a small percentage has been surveyed, with 200 Indigenous rock shelters previously recorded. The new drone technology promises to accelerate this process dramatically.

This innovative approach is seen as a crucial tool for Aboriginal communities to help locate and protect their cultural heritage. It offers a method to create accurate records of sites that are vulnerable to environmental threats like bushfires, which can erase ancient rock carvings and engravings.