Comparative Analysis of Multi-Platform, Multi-Resolution, Multi-Temporal LiDAR Data for Forest Inventory

Abstract

LiDAR technology is rapidly evolving as various new systems emerge, providing unprecedented data to characterize forest vertical structure. Data from different LiDAR systems present distinct characteristics owing to a combined effect of sensor specifications, data acquisition strategies, as well as forest conditions such as tree density and canopy cover. Comparative analysis of multi-platform, multi-resolution, and multi-temporal LiDAR data provides guidelines for selecting appropriate LiDAR systems and data processing tools for different research questions, and thus is of crucial importance. This study presents a comprehensive comparison of point clouds from four systems, linear and Geiger-mode LiDAR from manned aircraft and multi-beam LiDAR on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and in-house developed Backpack, with the consideration of different forest canopy cover scenarios. The results suggest that the proximal Backpack LiDAR can provide the finest level of information, followed by UAV LiDAR, Geiger-mode LiDAR, and linear LiDAR. The emerging Geiger-mode LiDAR can capture a significantly higher level of detail while operating at a higher altitude as compared to the traditional linear LiDAR. The results also show: (1) canopy cover percentage has a critical impact on the ability of aerial and terrestrial systems to acquire information corresponding to the lower and upper portions of the tree canopy, respectively; (2) all the systems can obtain adequate ground points for digital terrain model generation irrespective of canopy cover conditions; and (3) point clouds from different systems are in agreement within a ±3 cm and ±7 cm range along the vertical and planimetric directions, respectively.

Multifiltering Algorithm for Enhancing the Accuracy of Individual Tree Parameter Extraction at Eucalyptus Plantations Using LiDAR Data

“…UAV-LiDAR can accurately measure tree height, while TLS relies on its higher scanning density to obtain an accurate DBH. The distinct characteristics of multiplatform LiDAR data underscore the necessity for a comparative analysis of individual tree parameter estimates [17]. While UAV-LiDAR tends to depict the upper canopy structure, TLS focuses on the lower portion of the canopy.…”

Semantic Segmentation of Uav Lidar Data for Tree Plantations

“…Among these, UAV LiDAR systems have emerged as a powerful tool for collecting precise threedimensional (3D) data over extensive areas in a relatively short period of time (Wallace et al, 2012). By integrating with UAV, LiDAR is able to measure distances, penetrate the forest canopy in the air, and provide highly accurate data about the ground surface and the structures on it (Lin et al, 2022). As a result, it holds great potential for improving the efficiency and accuracy of forest inventory tasks (Wallace et al, 2012).…”