University of California San Diego (UCSD) researchers are busy with their ambitious archaeological survey in the Valley of the Khans (VOTK) as they search for the tomb of Chinggis Khaan. The VOTK research project was recently nominated as one of National Geographic Adventure magazine”s 2010 Adventures of the Year.

The project, supported by the joint National Geographic Society/Waitt Grants Program, is led by UCSD research associate Albert Yu-Min Lin. Dr. Lin initiated this project using a new, non-invasive scientific approach.

The project aims to locate the tomb utilizing modern digital tools from a variety of disciplines, including digital imagery, computer vision, non-destructive surveying, and on-site digital ar chaeology. The search seeks to locate the tomb without disturbing it, thus maintaining respect for local customs while enabling protective measures through organizations such as UNESCO.