LiDAR survey reveals 432 earthworks, estimate of 24,000–30,000 in Amazon

August 01, 2026Remote SensingSignificant Find

Source: NEWS | LiDAR Reveals up to 30,000 Ancient Structures in the Amazon Rainforest by Ancient Architects

An airborne LiDAR survey in 2024 across the Amazon revealed 432 earthworks in just one region — 396 more than satellite imagery ever detected. In one cleared area, LiDAR found 156 structures where satellites saw only 30! Researchers now estimate 24,000 to 30,000 earthworks across the wider landscape, roughly two-thirds built by the Aquiry civilization between 600 BC and 850 AD. Geometrics, ditches up to 5m deep, roads connecting enclosures — hidden beneath the canopy. 🌿

Key facts

Airborne LiDAR survey conducted in 2024 with 10 flights covering 4,497 km identified 432 earthworks
396 more earthworks than previously known from satellite images in the same region
In one deforested section, LiDAR identified 156 earthworks where only 30 were known from satellite images — a factor of five underestimation
Researchers estimate the wider landscape contains between 24,000 and 30,000 earthworks, with about two-thirds attributed to the Aquiry civilization
Identified structures were built between 600 BC and 850 AD
Construction types include deep ditches, raised embankments, enclosed spaces, and roads arranged in circles, squares, and complex geometric forms
Most structures cover 0.35 to 14 hectares; the largest covers approximately 50 hectares
Surrounding ditches measure 9 to 13 m across and reach depths of up to 5 m
Individual enclosures were sometimes connected by roads or grouped into clusters of up to eight monuments