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Retrieval of forest structural parameters using LiDAR remote sensing

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Abstract

In this paper, a literature overview is presented on the use of laser rangefinder techniques for the retrieval of forest inventory parameters and structural characteristics. The existing techniques are ordered with respect to their scale of application (i.e. spaceborne, airborne, and terrestrial laser scanning) and a discussion is provided on the efficiency, precision, and accuracy with which the retrieval of structural parameters at the respective scales has been attained. The paper further elaborates on the potential of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data to be fused with other types of remote sensing data and it concludes with recommendations for future research and potential gains in the application of LiDAR for the characterization of forests.

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Notes

  1. The term ‘single returns’ was used to refer to the occasion that only one echo was sensed, and hence no distinction in order can be made.

  2. The VCL (Vegetation Canopy LiDAR) Mission was intended for terrestrial ecosystem and climate modelling and prediction.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank COFORD (the Irish National Council for Forest Research and Development) for funding the FORESTSCAN project, through which this research was made possible, and two anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Martin van Leeuwen

  2. UCD Forestry, Agriculture and Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland

    Martin van Leeuwen & Maarten Nieuwenhuis

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  1. Martin van Leeuwen
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  2. Maarten Nieuwenhuis
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Correspondence to Martin van Leeuwen.

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Communicated by J. Müller.

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van Leeuwen, M., Nieuwenhuis, M. Retrieval of forest structural parameters using LiDAR remote sensing. Eur J Forest Res 129, 749–770 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-010-0381-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-010-0381-4

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