LiDAR predictive modeling of Pacific Northwest mound sites: A study of Willamette Valley Kalapuya Mounds, Oregon (USA)

• LiDAR automatic feature extraction successfully identifies archaeological mounds. Our model identified known and unrecorded mound sites, was field verified. is highly generalizable can be used in different regions. Tribal collaboration crucial when creating models. Archaeologists need new methods to survey large areas overcome environmental barriers site discovery heavily forested (light detection ranging) technology one possible solution these challenges as digitally clears away vegetation, facilitating large-scale remote sensing survey. The Calapooia Watershed, located the southern Willamette Valley of Oregon, an ideal area utilize LiDAR. While valley lowlands are cleared for agriculture, riverine remain wooded contain hundreds low-lying earthwork features created by pre-colonial Kalapuyan people. To assess potential application this region, we developed tested a predictive using aerial imagery. Field testing seven mounds verified location several others. 44 percent successful identifying cultural 100 extant previously effective identify preserve Pacific Northwest; also modified other