MICRO-MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF DIGITAL TERRAIN MODEL IN SEARCH OF TRACES OF PLOUGHING ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBJECTS

Abstract

The application of Airborne Laser Scanning methods (ALS) in archaeology has opened a new chapter for prospective research in forest areas. Previously, these were under-explored due to the lack of effective methods for recording archaeological remains in forests. With LiDAR data, researchers can now use available analytical tools. Also, they have developed new tools by creating so-called image derivatives, which have expanded the possibilities of microrelief interpretation for the identification of archaeological objects. This paper presents the results of DTM analyses and field investigations that were carried out at the Osie archaeological site (Poland). The site was discovered thanks to DTM analyses, which made it possible to identify an extensive settlement complex from the Late Roman Period. The object of our research was to identify remains connected with modern forest management in the form of traces of ploughing. The aim was to see how spatial data analyses, by means of which we identify ploughing traces, correlate with the results of archaeological surveys.