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LiDAR drones uncover ancient Aboriginal rock shelters in Blue Mountains

University of Sydney study finds three sites in a fraction of the world heritage area, raising hopes of hundreds more

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources4 outlets
A University of Sydney team using LiDAR-equipped drones has discovered three previously unknown Aboriginal rock shelters hidden beneath dense bush in the Blue Mountains, a fraction of the vast world heritage area, raising hopes that hundreds or even thousands of ancient Indigenous sites could be identified across the region.

The discoveries, led by digital archaeologist Dr Jacob Bongers, used light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to create centimetre-accurate 3D maps of the terrain, effectively stripping away the tree canopy to reveal what lies below. Some of the newly located shelters contain red hand stencils and stone artefacts, indicating continuous Indigenous occupation stretching back millennia.

"What's great about LiDAR's lasers is that you can remove the tree canopy and see what's underneath, allowing us to find shelters deep in the bush," Bongers said.

Wayne Brennan, a Gomeroi man, rock cave expert and archaeologist at the university, described his reaction on first seeing the results: "I couldn't believe it. I thought it was whitefella magic."

Brennan said LiDAR could identify undisturbed rock art and cultural sites that might strengthen the case for extending the Blue Mountains' UNESCO world heritage listing to include its Indigenous culture. The region, about the size of Lebanon, currently holds the listing for its biodiversity, including its exceptional eucalyptus landscape and prehistoric species such as the Wollemi pine.

"The main trump card we've got is that this is undisturbed landscape with cultural heritage in it, and that doesn't exist in many places in the world. That's our punchline … our right hook," he said.

The project, named Gulumada, meaning "place of koalas," is also the proposed dual language name for the mountains.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The discovery could reshape understanding of Indigenous history in the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO world heritage site of 1.03 million hectares.
  • If hundreds or thousands of sites are found, it could lead to an extension of the world heritage listing to recognise Indigenous culture, with global heritage implications.
  • The technique offers a non-invasive way to locate cultural sites, potentially influencing archaeological practice elsewhere.

Background

The Blue Mountains world heritage area is recognised for its natural values, including its eucalyptus ecosystems and prehistoric species like the Wollemi pine. The use of LiDAR, which fires laser pulses to map ground beneath vegetation, is a growing tool in archaeology, allowing researchers to identify features invisible to the naked eye. The Gulumada project, led by the University of Sydney, is named after the proposed dual language name for the mountains, meaning "place of koalas." Explorer George Bass described the Blue Mountain, though the full context of that description is not detailed in the current reporting.

Key Perspectives

University of Sydney researchers: They see LiDAR as a breakthrough for finding undisturbed cultural heritage, arguing the area's intact landscape is a rare global asset. Indigenous archaeologist Wayne Brennan: He views the technology as a powerful way to reveal and protect rock art, potentially bolstering the case for UNESCO recognition of Indigenous culture. UNESCO and heritage authorities: No official response is reported, but extending the listing would require formal nomination and assessment, which could take years and face procedural hurdles.

What to Watch

  • Whether the team expands LiDAR surveys to cover more of the 1.03 million hectare site, and how many additional shelters are found.
  • Any formal proposal to extend the UNESCO listing to include Indigenous culture, and the response from the Australian government and UNESCO.
  • Ongoing consultation with Traditional Owners about the management and protection of newly discovered sites.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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