Mapping the Prehistoric Statue Roads on Rapa Nui Using Remote Sensing Satellite Imagery

In an extension of the work of Drs. Hunt and Lipo published in Antiquity (2005), I surveyed the prehistoric roads of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) using ArcGIS software and satellite images of the island. A pre-determined set of criteria was utilized, though there was much potential for error with both false positives and negatives. A great deal of progress was made in identifying potential locations of prehistoric roads. This survey only provided possible sites, however, which will require confirmation through ground survey in future visits to the island.