Tag:site_type=enclosure

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Public-images-osm logo.svg site_type = enclosure
Commons-emblem-hand.svg
Description
Using this tag is discouraged, use archaeological_site=enclosure instead.
Group: historic
Used on these elements
should not be used on nodesshould not be used on waysshould not be used on areasshould not be used on relations (except multipolygon relations)
Status: deprecated

exclamation mark

This feature has been labeled as deprecated. The recommended replacement is: archaeological_site=enclosure.
The reason is documented in Deprecated features. You are still free to continue to use or interpret this tag as you see fit since OpenStreetMap does not have “banned features”.
Under no circumstances should you (semi-)automatically change “deprecated” tags to something else in the database on a large scale without conforming to the automated edits code of conduct. Any such change will be reverted.

An enclosure as a site_type=* is a piece of land separated from its surroundings by a ditch, earthworks, palisade, wall or combination of those. They occur globally and can stem from a number of eras (historic:period=*) and civilizations (historic:civilization=*).

Mapping

On satellite imagery, enclosures can be recognized from crop marks (be careful not to confuse tractor marks with crop marks - compare satellite imagery!) or an enclosure formed by vegetation like scrubs or trees. Without further knowledge of the location, it is better to classify what you see as an enclosure[1] than to presume it to be something more specific like a henge, ringfort or graveyard. Later contributors might be able to "upgrade" the enclosure to something more specific.

When you have checked available sources for your area/ country and the location is not a recognized archaeological site, it might be worth contacting your local heritage authorities and report it to them.

References

  1. That is how the National Monuments Service in Ireland does it anyway.