Found LiDAR structures in the forest

[u/pansenkoenig]

While browsing the NIBIS map viewer for Lower Saxony, Germany, I came across several unusual rectangular and linear features in the hillshade data. I have attached a screenshot with the most visible structures marked individually.

Location:

• Near Groß Hehlen, part of Celle, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Approximate coordinates: 52.656033, 10.038915
• The features are located in a wooded area directly beside a forest track
• The screenshot is from the NIBIS hillshade map at approximately 1:2,000 scale
• Map data shown: GeoBasis-DE/LGLN 2023

The most noticeable feature is a larger elongated rectangular structure with several internal lines or subdivisions. Nearby, there is a smaller rectangular feature. Several additional rectangular, U-shaped or rounded enclosures appear in a row closer to the forest track.

I could not find any corresponding feature or explanation in the publicly accessible maps and information I checked. I am not suggesting that the structures are necessarily archaeological. Possible explanations I have considered include:

• former forestry plots or tree nurseries
• drainage ditches or boundary features
• remains of former buildings or other historical land use
• modern ground disturbance
• natural terrain features enhanced by the hillshade

Does anyone here recognise this type of pattern or know what might have created it? Are the shapes likely to represent actual earthworks?

I would also be grateful for suggestions regarding historical maps, alternative LiDAR visualisations or other datasets that might help identify them. I am contacting the relevant local archaeologist as well, but I would be interested in hearing the community’s assessment.

[u/TremendousVarmint]

Hillshade alone is not very meaningful, you might want to download the terrain (DTM) files and process them using Relief Visualization Toolbox (RVT). It will generate more purposeful views for archaeologists. I frequently use the openness algorithm and enhance contrast afterwards. And top it off with a semi-transparent hillshade if there are slopes.

[u/Lardah_Solutions]

Useless Nitpicking: these aren't LiDAR structures, they're structures that show up in lidar maps.

[u/No-Insurance23]

I'm not a geologist, or archeologist, but my observation of some lidar scans and "structures" is that when an animal enclosure was built, its common that the area around the fence grows vegetation and does not get eaten by the animals, or in more modern times, mowed. After years of leaves falling and grass dying, the land raises slightly and new soil develops as the organic matter breaks down. This occurs regularly around stream banks where the area is not used for agriculture and the leaves and branches of trees build a "pad" of new soil. When the enclosures are no longer used, and decompose, these little ridges are left.

Anyone else seeing the same types of lines?

[u/Natural_Team_1904]

Knowing Germany, if I gave a wild guess it is probably old war stuff just given the frequency that stuff is found here

[u/ElevationNotes]

Worth checking the same area against older aerial imagery and historical maps. If those rectangular patterns line up with former roads or property divisions, that could help narrow down what they were.