Data from: Ancient lowland Maya complexity as revealed by airborne laser scanning of northern Guatemala

Lowland Maya civilization flourished in the tropical region of the Yucatan
peninsula and environs for more than 2500 years (~1000 BCE to 1500 CE).
Known for its sophistication in writing, art, architecture, astronomy, and
mathematics, Maya civilization still poses questions about the nature of
its cities and surrounding populations because of its location in an
inaccessible forest. In 2016, an aerial lidar survey across 2144 square
kilometers of northern Guatemala mapped natural terrain and archaeological
features over several distinct areas. We present results from these data,
revealing interconnected urban settlement and landscapes with extensive
infrastructural development. Studied through a joint international effort
of interdisciplinary teams sharing protocols, this lidar survey compels a
reevaluation of Maya demography, agriculture, and political economy and
suggests future avenues of field research.