Comprehensive Research OrganizationWaseda University

(1) Interactions between the Ancient Maya Civilization and Neighboring Cultural Spheres
The Quimistán Valley in the Santa Bárbara Department of Honduras is situated in a transitional zone between the Maya cultural sphere and adjacent non-Maya civilizations
during the pre-Hispanic period. Despite its strategic location, the region has remained largely unexplored archaeologically—essentially a blank area on the cultural map.
Our recent investigations have confirmed the presence of multiple marble sources within the valley, highlighting its potential significance in understanding interregional exchange between Maya and non-Maya societies. Notably, marble vessels have been excavated in the nearby La Entrada region. These artifacts were previously thought to originate from the Traveseía site in the Sula Valley, a non-Maya area. However, the discovery of marble sources in Quimistán necessitates a reassessment of existing interpretations regarding cultural interaction.
To advance this reevaluation, identifying production sites is a critical priority. Yet, as noted, archaeological data on sites distributed throughout the Quimistán Valley remains limited. Foundational research—including mapping site distribution and producing detailed topographic surveys—is urgently needed. Based on a comprehensive review of regional site patterns, we plan to conduct test excavations to obtain new data on cultural exchange between the Maya and neighboring civilizations.

(2) Three-Dimensional Visualization of Archaeological Sites
During the previous phase of our research institute, we developed and refined visualization techniques tailored to the scale and location of each archaeological site. These include:
• GNSS-based 3D laser scanning
• Omnidirectional camera imaging
• UAV-based aerial photogrammetry using Structure from Motion (SfM)
Building on these results, our survey of sites in the Quimistán Valley will begin with UAV aerial photogrammetry. This will be followed by high-resolution laser scanning to acquire more detailed three-dimensional spatial data.

Institutional Collaboration
To carry out the above research, authorization and collaboration with the Instituto Hondureño de Antropología e Historia (IHAH) is essential.