The use of LiDAR was pivotal, penetrating the dense jungle canopy and the outer limestone shell of the pyramid without requiring invasive excavation. The survey focused on the structures at the ancient city of Tikal, Guatemala, where the density of the ceremonial architecture is profound. The images revealed clear evidence of an internal spiraling ramp system, meticulously planned to facilitate the movement of massive limestone blocks to the upper levels during construction.

This ramp system was deliberately filled in and sealed as each subsequent layer of the pyramid was completed. Previously, scholars debated whether the Maya relied solely on external, rectilinear ramps that required colossal amounts of temporary fill material. The internal ramp model suggests a far more resource-efficient and structurally stable method, minimizing external labor and maximizing the structural integrity of the pyramid’s core. The findings indicate an extraordinary level of architectural foresight, with the builders calculating the exact volume of fill material needed for the ramps to ensure structural homogeneity.

This engineering acumen rivaled that of many Old World civilizations. Furthermore, the LiDAR images highlighted previously unknown interior chambers, possibly used for rituals or for storing construction tools, which are now targets for future non-invasive archaeological investigation. The discovery fundamentally revises textbooks on Maya construction, moving away from brute-force theories toward a sophisticated understanding of ancient logistics and sustainable engineering within the challenging jungle environment.