Photo: Diego Gurgel
Archaeologists using 3D mapping of the Amazon are uncovering the remains of gardens and forests in areas of the jungle never thought to have been lived in.
The scientists in Brazil have been using previously done laser mapping to assess vegetation, to identify areas where earth has been moved to create straight lines or circles, an indication of civilisation. They have discovered 20 sites and predict more than 10,000 others might exist across the Amazon Basin.
The research has also indicated the presence of particular plant species, suggesting parts of the Amazon that were previously thought to be pristine, have been influenced by indigenous societies prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus. The lead researcher is Vinicius Peripato an analyst from the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research.
He joins Kathryn to talk more about what's been discovered and efforts to fund a trip deep into the jungle to find out more.
