Geophysical Survey Specialists
Luis Alberto Barba Pingarrón (2015, 2016)
Photo courtesy of the geophysical survey team
Dr. Barba is an industrial chemical engineer from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN). He carries a master’s degree in Archaeological Geology from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He is the founder and current coordinator of the Laboratory of Archaeological Survey at the IIA (Institute of Anthropological Research). To date, he has published 118 articles (60 of which are in international publications), 21 book chapters, 4 books, 1 manual, and 90 technical reports.
His research focuses on archaeometry, involving technical applications of aerial photography and geophysical and geochemical prospecting in archaeology. Luis is a pioneer when it comes to analyzing chemical residues in archaeological floors and ceramic containers to infer past human activities. His most recent research analyzes the materials and energy involved in the construction of pre-Hispanic architectural structures, emphasizing lime technology and its importance in Mesoamerican culture.
Jorge Blancas Vázquez (2015, 2016)
Photo courtesy of Jorge Blancas
Dr. Blancas is an academic of the Laboratory of Archaeological Survey in the Institute of Anthropological Research (IIA) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
As a geophysicist and doctoral candidate at the UNAM’s Institute of Geophysics, he studies geophysical prospecting and remote sensing. With this particular skillset, he has participated in several national and international projects in Mexico, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Agustín Ortíz Butrón (2015-2017, 2025)
Photo courtesy of Agustín Ortíz
Dr. Ortíz is an academic from the Laboratory of Archaeological Survey (IIA) of the Institute of Anthropological Research at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). With a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters from the UNAM, he also serves as an archaeologist for the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH).
He has participated in more than 150 national and international projects in Israel, Spain, and Chile, to name a few. He has accomplished more than 60 published articles, 17 book chapters, 200 lectures and conferences in national and international forums, and over 30 courses taught at the undergraduate and graduate level.