Application of Planimetric Models of Satellite Imagery to Study Pre‐Hispanic Water Management Systems in the Southern Puna, Argentina

ABSTRACT Studying pre‐Hispanic agricultural landscapes requires large‐scale spatial analysis and detailed slope assessment to understand water management systems. Remote sensing and photo‐interpretation techniques are effective for investigating historical irrigation structures. This research developed a high‐precision planimetric model by integrating satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEMs), slope analysis and hillshade visualisation. It focused on the pre‐Hispanic agricultural site in the lower Miriguaca Basin (Antofagasta de la Sierra, Argentina), specifically Red Miriguaca 1 (RM1). Four methodological approaches were applied: (1) acquisition and processing of free satellite images and DEMs using QGIS; (2) generation of planimetric data, with integration of ground control points to enhance accuracy; (3) visual interpretation of hydraulic structures in the planimetric model; and (4) cross‐checking diverse data (archaeological GPS control points and pre‐existing hydraulic model) to corroborate hydraulic mapping. The model allowed identification of new sections of the main canal, secondary canals and the water intake point at RM1, clarifying the topography‐driven hydraulic design. It also revealed connections between RM1 and other irrigation networks previously considered independent. This approach provides a cost‐effective tool for reconstructing ancient water management in arid regions, with potential applications in similar archaeological contexts.