Journal Article

UAV Remote Sensing-Based Random Forest Modeling of Expressway Vegetation Biomass and Sample Library Construction

Zhao, Ben, Lian, Xugang, Guo, Hantian, Yang, Ying, Liang, Shiqi, Zhang, Jiapen, Gao, Yulu, Cai, Yinfei, Hu, Haifeng

2026

Overview

To support carbon stock assessment and ecological restoration under the “Carbon Neutrality” objective, this paper developed a high-precision vegetation biomass model for expressway corridors in Shanxi Province, China, by integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology and the random forest algorithm. Based on climatic zoning and DEM data, 70 sample plots representing diverse vegetation and topography were selected. LiDAR point clouds and multispectral data were spatially connected using the BallTree algorithm, achieving an average matching rate of 73.98–82.01%. A joint biomass model incorporating tree height and crown width was constructed with spatial cross-validation. The results indicate that the model substantially outperformed single-factor models, with R2 values ranging from 0.839 to 0.934 (highest in the Hengshan–Wutaishan forest area). Accuracy was higher in forest-dominated zones but lower in areas with significant human disturbance. A representative sample library was established for model optimization. This paper provides a robust technical framework for biomass monitoring across comparable Northern Hemisphere latitudes, thereby supporting sustainable green transport development.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Accuracy / Algorithms / Analysis / Biomass / Carbon / Climate / Drone aircraft / Ecological restoration / Ecosystems / Environmental restoration / expressway / Geospatial data / Highway construction / Human impact / Lidar / Machine learning / Northern Hemisphere / Optical radar / Rain / random forest algorithm / Remote sensing / Sensors / spatial connection / spatial cross-validation / Spatial data / Stock assessment / Support vector machines / Sustainable development / Topography / Unmanned aerial vehicles / Vegetation / Zoning