Evaluation of tree height and number of trees using LiDAR data
2018
Ivanovs, J., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Lazdins, A., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia)
The aim of this study is to detect and to analyse individual trees and their height in young and mature coniferous forest stands using local maxima method based on LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) data, which are currently being obtained for the territory of Latvia. Empirical data about the tree height and number of trees for this study are obtained from the National forest inventory (NFI) sample plots and additional surveying is not conducted. LiDAR data are obtained from the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency. LiDAR surveying is done separately from NFI measurements. Sample plots are selected so that LiDAR data are obtained within 1 calendar year leeway from field measurements for NFI surveying of sample plots. Step by step instructions on the applied method are included in this paper. Average tree height and number of trees are compared between the remotely obtained and in field measurements based data sets. The best results are achieved in determination of the average tree height in mature forest stands. Remote sensing based data on the height and number of trees in young forests is less accurate because of insufficient density of LiDAR point cloud and possible spatial offset of study plots in the NFI database. In order to obtain results with higher accuracy, LiDAR data with higher point density are needed.
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