Journal Article

Detailed stem measurements of standing trees from ground-based scanning lidar

Henning, J.G, Radtke, P.J

2006

Overview

A commercially available pan-and-tilt mount laser scanner was used to acquire data for subsequent three-dimensional modeling and measurement of standing forest trees. Methods were developed for identifying trees in range images and co-registering range images acquired from different vantage points. Upper-stem diameters and branch heights derived from the range images were compared to measurements made after the felling of a small number of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees. Tree identification assumed bole cross-sections were circular, estimating their geometric centers at successive heights up the stem. Tree center estimates at multiple heights were then used to co-register images made from different vantage points. Co-registration (x, y) errors did not exceed 2.1 cm in any of the 18 pairwise registrations carried out. Results showed excellent agreement (average error < 1 cm) between the lidar-derived diameter estimates and caliper measurements for bole sections below the base of live crown. Less accurate estimates (<2 cm) were obtained for stem heights up to 13 m. Results indicated the potential for accurate assessment of branch or whorl heights using ground-based scanning lidar, with the greatest accuracy likely to be realized for branches near the base of the live crown and below it.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Subject: Branches / Diameters / Estimates / forest trees / Forestry / Image acquisition / image analysis / laser scanning / lasers / Lidar / Pine trees / Pinus taeda / Registration / Remote sensing / Scanners / Scanning / Stems / Three dimensional imaging / Trees / Virginia