RPAS for documentation of Nazca aqueducts

Abstract

In Peru, there are not many aqueduct systems, only in Nasca region. They are popularly known as “puquíos”, hidden in the dry landscape. Most of them are around the city of Nasca known mainly for the nearby famous Nazca lines and geoglyphs. According to some theories they were built by pre-Hispanic civilization, but others doubt that. However, there is no doubt that they were constructed to provide water to the people living in the dry landscape along the Peruvian coastline, where the lack of water is a typical phenomenon. The construction of aqueducts is often connected to climatic changes after 400 AD. Some of these systems are still in use and provide fresh drinking water or water for irrigation of fertile fields in the neighbourhood. The aim of our research was to document and map aqueduct systems in Nazca region. Five aqueduct samples were selected, which describe the various types of the systems–aqueducts in both good and bad condition, open trenches, systems with circular or rectangular-shaped access holes. These selected sites were documented by a RPAS. The acquired data was processed to an orthophoto and a digital surface model (DSM). The outputs help to document the variety in construction of these systems and provide a better understanding of their function before many of them disappear forever.