Lima’s Archaeological Sites (.KMZ)
September 26, 2008
I’ve been putting together a map of some of Lima’s estimated 10,000 archaeological sites. The vast majority of these, as shown in the Lima Precolombina series, are found in the middle of regular residential areas of Lima and include Inca palaces, towering pyramids and the ruins of towns and cities.
Since posting Glorious Pre-Columbian Lima, I’ve had dozens of requests to make the Google Earth placemarks I used available as a downloadable .kmz file. This is something I definitely want to do, but with so many sites it will always be a work in progress. In the course of mapping the pre-Columbian artificial water channels the Spanish thought were rivers, for example, I noticed 3 archaeological sites I had no idea existed.
So I’ve decided to host the .kmz online so that it can be linked to in Google Earth. That way, when updates and additions are made to the map, followers will see them immediately without having to delete the old KMZ and download the new one.
Adding a “Network Link” in Google Earth is simple;
Step 1: Find a click these items on the menu
Step 2: Give the link a name (I wrote test, you should probably write “Lima ruins”) and type the KMZ address.
The actual KMZ file is found at: http://enperublog.com/maps/lima-city.kmz
This is the file that I will edit, all changes will appear in your Google Earth.
Should you download the file you will not receive updates – and if you do this, please keep a link to my blog in the description if you will pass the file on to others.
If you know something that should be included on the map, or spot something that you want me to check out, contact me here. The same goes if you want to help develop a map for other areas of Peru.
Don’t have Google Earth? Use the online version, Google Maps! (There are 2 pages, switch between them to see all sites)
Comments (7)
Wow! This definitely exceeds my expectations. The network link is a very good idea, great work Stuart. If I ever find some free time I’ll try to help.
Glad you like it.
What do you think? Did you know there were so many sites?
Wherever you are in Lima, you’re just a few minutes away from something that existed before Lima did.
I just started checking it out. I couldn’t before because I was in another computer without GE. A couple of things come to mind at first glance, I don’t know if you’ve thought about this: The site markers’ boxes should eventually contain some info, maybe a link to your blog for now if you have an entry about them. Also, I see that you have many photos in Flickr, you could also add some to the box, though that’s not so urgent, because in this case GE’s Panoramio photos do a great job for context. For example, I wasn’t aware that there were so many sites along the Lurin river valley. Particularly for the Huaycan ruins (Ruins 11), I found a couple good photos in GE, that’s the good thing about it.
I love that you took the time to follow the artificial water channels, I’ve walked past the one in Javier Prado and Av. La Molina many times, and thought it was just a regular “acequia”. I had no idea that it dated back so much, that kinda blew my mind.
By the way, I noticed that you wrote “Huaca Huantilla”, for the one in Magdalena district, but as far as I know the name is “Huantille”. Maybe you should check it out.
Anyway, that’s pretty much it from the top of my head. You know, I love working with GE and GMaps, and what you’re doing is perfect for this, so whenever I get any other idea that can help I’ll tell you. And if you need some inspiration, just check the maps that El Comercio makes for its online version: http://tinyurl.com/3gs8g2
Cheers Stuart.
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# ADDED: Mina Perdida (Lurin)
# ADDED: Cardal (Lurin)
# UPDAT: Huaca Huantille corrected
# ADDED: Huaca Santa Cruz (San Isidro)
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Yes to everything you said Miguel. It’s just finding the time!
The pre-hispanic acequias are amazing, I too had no idea they were so old. It’s no surprise that the Spanish decided to stay in Lima, it would have been as green as an Andean valley thanks to the water distribution system. The Surco is still with us, though it goes through a few pipes here and there, and it has been directed along San Borja Norte and Sur too. Parts of the Ate are still there taking water past Puruchuco. The one along the wall of the PUPC facing the Parque de las Leyends is still there and smells terrible. As far as I know the rest are gone… the markings I have are an aprox. based on other maps.
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# UPDATE: Pachacamac detail
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# UPDATE:
# Few more added, many updated with information,
# images and blog links. Enjoy.
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