Modeling the Maize Agriculture Potential of Landforms in Tikal National Park, Guatemala.

Models provide a means to better understand spatial patterns found in and around archaeological sites. Stable carbon isotope data and remote sensing data from Landsat and AIRSAR were used to create a model of maize agricultural potential for the park. The model is based on data derived from the AIRSAR digital elevation model (DEM) and Landsat imagery when compared to the delta 13-C signatures of 168 soil profiles collected within the Park.  We tested the model against ground-referenced soil and vegetation data.  The model identifies areas with varying potential for maize agriculture.