In August of 2000, with the completion of the Palenque Mapping Project, MEC director Dr. Ed Barnhart produced a new map of Palenque's urban core. This has since been praised as one of the most accurate and detailed maps ever made of a Maya site. MEC plans to continue Dr. Barnhart's work by expanding the new map into Palenque's peripheral settlement zone. In addition, the following are general descriptions of the other lines of research MEC is actively pursuing.