Innovative Technologies Used to Investigate Segments of the Inca Road
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 139, Issue 3
Abstract
Supported by a National Science Foundation, Pan-American Advanced Studies Institute (PASI) grant and the Smithsonian Institute, two expeditions were made by teams of multidisciplinary researchers to the Andes Mountains of Peru to study the design and construction methods used to build the great Inca Road. The objectives of the study were to identify sustainable engineering practices used by the Inca, determine which practices can apply to modern design and construction, and share findings with visitors at the National Museum of the American Indian and others throughout the world through live interactive satellite broadcasts. This paper focuses on the technologies that were used to accomplish the broadcasts and used to support the engineering and construction analysis of the Inca Road. Each technology used on these expeditions provided a unique opportunity to learn about the road and disseminate findings with others. The technologies utilized included communication equipment (e.g., satellite router and dish, Wi-Fi, and mobile portable video equipment), location and mapping technologies [e.g., geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS)], photogrammetric techniques for three-dimensional modeling, laser range finding for precision measurement of the road features, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for use in nondestructive testing and evaluation of subsurface conditions. The technologies are explained in this paper along with the challenges of implementing them in such harsh and extreme conditions. In addition, some of the more salient engineering and construction discoveries are included. This information can be useful for others who are interested in implementing a similar approach for studying ancient civil infrastructure in other remote locations.
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Acknowledgments
The research team extends its appreciation to the National Science Foundation for its funding of the Learning from the Ancient Engineers of the Great Inca Road project. The team is also indebted to the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian for bringing together its experts and hosting project planning meetings, and for providing satellite time for interactive learning while the team was in the field. The Universidad de Piura in Piura, Peru, purchased and provided to the team the satellite dish and generator, which were critical to the work in the remote areas of the Andes.
It was only through the efforts of Ms. Margaret G. H. MacLean, Ph.D., Senior Analyst, Cultural Heritage Center (ECA/P/C) at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, that all of the electronic tele-engineering equipment was allowed into Peru. In Peru, Ms. Vanessa Wagner de Reyna, Senior Cultural Specialist, Embassy of the United States, coordinated the movement of the equipment through customs, and Mr. Gonzalo Sanchez served as the expeditor meeting the team at the airport.
Appreciation is also extended to Ms. Kimberly Finke and Mr. Jay Moore, practicing engineers with AMEC Environmental & Infrastructure in Denver, who participated remotely in the investigation of a potential Inca-constructed lagoon.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 139 • Issue 3 • July 2013
Pages: 187 - 195
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 21, 2012
Accepted: Nov 19, 2012
Published online: Nov 21, 2012
Discussion open until: Apr 21, 2013
Published in print: Jul 1, 2013
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