Integrated Multi-Camera Photogrammetry: Toward the Simulation of Human and Faunal Access to the Pleistocene Cave Systems of Quintana Roo, Mexico

Caves are an inherently challenging environment for the collection of 3D data. Low-light, complex morphology, and often remote access contribute to the need for more integrated and portable systems for 3D documentation of archaeological and paleontological features. As part of the initial stages of the Human and Faunal Access Project, based in Quintana Roo, Mexico, our team completed documentation of cave entrances utilizing the Looq Integrated Multi-Camera Photogrammetry system for the purpose of providing accurate models of cave entrances. The now-submerged cave systems hold a myriad of evidence for Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene human and faunal interaction during a time when lower sea levels made the caves dry and accessible. The nearest entrances to known archaeological and paleontological features are important for understanding access, and the photogrammetric data will be combined with existing surface mobile LiDAR and traditional 2D cave mapping data as well as underwater photogrammetry and mapping data for the rest of the cave system. This paper serves to present the findings and methods used in incorporating the Looq system into our multi-modal data collection strategy alongside preliminary results for simulating both human and faunal access.