AI Discovers Unknown Mayan City in Mexico
Large-Scale Analysis of LiDAR Data
Artificial intelligence capabilities have moved well beyond text generation and coding. Google researcher Pietro Miotti has demonstrated that AI agents are capable of solving complex scientific problems. By utilizing 48 different AI agents, Miotti analyzed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data to discover a previously unknown archaeological site belonging to the Mayan civilisation in Mexico.
LiDAR technology, which uses laser pulses to create detailed topographical maps, allows scientists to see through dense forest cover and clouds to identify structures invisible to the naked eye. Miotti accessed massive LiDAR datasets from NASA and tasked 48 distinct agents with searching the terrain for archaeological markers. The results were immediate: the AI identified several potential structures, including one site that has never been mentioned in scientific literature.
From Discovery to Contact in 72 Hours
The process was remarkably fast; only 72 hours passed from the moment Miotti conceived the idea to him contacting the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico. The AI not only identified the suspicious object, but also assisted Miotti in finding the relevant agency and even drafted a professional letter in Spanish, detailing the exact coordinates of the discovery. Currently, Mexican archaeologists are investigating the data on-site to confirm whether the findings are indeed remnants of the Mayan civilisation.
A Revolution in Science
According to Miotti, this case is only the beginning. He is calling on the scientific community to scan the entire planet with LiDAR so that AI agents can fully uncover Earth's hidden history. Furthermore, he used Gemini to create a visualisation of how the settlement might have looked in 700 BC. This technology will save scientists significant time and resources. While archaeologists previously spent years surveying territories, AI can now process millions of square kilometres of data in just a few hours. This means that many "blank spots" on the world map may soon disappear.