On the Use of 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography to Detect Archaeological Features in La Compañía de Jesús Convent, Panamá Viejo Site

Abstract

3D electrical resistivity tomography has become an important tool in the evaluation of the archaeological value of Hispanic sites in the tropics. This methodology was applied inside the open space (cloister) of La Compañía de Jesús convent, which is one of the most important ancient structures of the Panama Viejo Historic Monumental Complex. In this area, a set of apparent electrical resistivity values was measured along 22 parallel profiles 23.5 m long, separated 1.0 m. 3D inversion of these data resulted in a set of horizontal maps of calculated electrical resistivity values at different depths, showing important electrical anomalies associated with the stone column bases and the limits of the cloister.