Holley Moyes
Papers
1
Total Citations
28
H-Index
1
About
Holley Moyes is a pioneering archaeologist whose work bridges the fields of cave archaeology, ritual landscapes, and advanced technology. Her research focuses on the ritual use of caves in ancient Maya society, particularly in Belize, where she has excavated key sites like Actun Tunichil Muknal. Moyes is best known for integrating cutting-edge tools into archaeological practice, most notably through her concept of drones as “Co-Archaeologists.” Her highly cited paper, “SmartCaveDrone: 3D cave mapping using UAVs as robotic co-archaeologists” (2017, 28 citations), proposes using drones to map dangerous or inaccessible cave spaces, producing accurate 3D models and semantic maps under human supervision. This work has opened new frontiers in non-invasive, high-resolution documentation of subterranean environments. With over 30 years of fieldwork and numerous publications, Moyes has significantly shaped our understanding of Maya cosmology and the sacred geography of caves. Her innovative use of technology, combined with deep ethnographic and archaeological insight, makes her a leading voice in digital archaeology and ritual studies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1SmartCaveDrone: 3D cave mapping using UAVs as robotic co-archaeologists28 citations · 2017