Wall‐to‐Wall Mapping of Anthropogenic Features in the Poiplie Region (Slovakia): Integrating Airborne LiDAR Visualisations, Field Research and Cartographic Sources

ABSTRACT Over the past centuries, human activities have shaped landscapes in increasingly complex ways. Many historical anthropogenic features are now disappearing, making it crucial to document and assess their historical value to understand the formation, evolution and layered history of these landscapes. In the regions of Central and Eastern Europe, collectivisation of agriculture in the late 20th century and abandonment at the turn of the 21st century led to the loss of unique anthropogenic features including traditional agricultural landscapes. This study conducted comprehensive, wall‐to‐wall mapping of anthropogenic features, with an emphasis on evaluating their historical value. Using the latest LiDAR data and advanced visualisation techniques, we mapped and analyzed the evolution of these features in two cadastral areas of southern Slovakia: Kiarov and Kovačovce. Archival maps and aerial imagery were also employed to estimate their age and assess their present‐day use. We identified 315 sites with anthropogenic features, covering a total of 437.51 ha. Most valuable were hemp‐retting pits, World War II era trenches and traces of historical field pattern. Among these, 154 sites contained features that were still in use, whereas 161 sites contained abandoned features. Features related to water infrastructure, symbolic elements and habitation sites are the most commonly still in use. Among both abandoned and still‐used features, those related to subsistence and transport/exchange occupy the largest areas. These findings highlight the importance of these features for past societies and local communities, showing how they both shaped and were shaped by human activity. They provide a valuable foundation for further research and support efforts in heritage protection and landscape conservation.