Community Mapping and Household Surveys

The village researchers made 1:25,000 land use maps and conducted a questionnaire survey for each household in each community. The land use maps were made by overlaying 30 x 40 inch sheets of .005 inch single-side frosted mylar over same size 1:25,000 topographic maps enlarged from the D.O.S. 1:50,000 topographic map series. Land use locations, areas, and geographic extent used by people in the village were then mapped and crosschecked by on-the-ground field mapping and interview/questionnaires with members of each household. The Maya communities use an intricate system of names for their local lands which allow them to pinpoint with a great deal of accuracy, locations and areas where they farm, hunt, fish, collect medicinal and food plants and firewood, as well as where their culturally important caves and waterfalls are situated, and where their ancient ruins found. Most of this information is not found on Belize's 1:50,000 map series. This work was completed in four weeks in the larger communities such as San Antonio and San Pedro Columbia, and over less time in the smaller communities such as Sunday Wood and Silver Creek.

Tape recorders and 35mm cameras were distributed to people expert in different specializations so that they could photograph and record activities and descriptions for inclusion in the Atlas.

The Regional Coordinators evaluated the village researchers' progress completing the mapping and household surveys and helped solve problems such as convincing uncooperative families to participate, explaining that the mapping and surveys were for the Maya, not for the Government, and keeping the work on track in the face of rain, flooded creeks and rivers, and often difficult communications in isolated areas.