Assessment of factors affecting shrub volume estimations using airborne discrete-return LiDAR data in Mediterranean areas

Javier Estornell; Luis A. Ruiz; Txomin Hermosilla; Borja Velazquez-Marti

doi:10.1117/1.JRS.6.063544

21 June 2012 Assessment of factors affecting shrub volume estimations using airborne discrete-return LiDAR data in Mediterranean areas

Javier Estornell, Luis A. Ruiz, Txomin Hermosilla, Borja Velazquez-Marti

Author Affiliations +

Funded by: Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación

Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, Vol. 6, Issue 1, 063544 (June 2012). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.6.063544

Abstract

Shrub vegetation is a key element of Mediterranean forest areas and it is necessary to develop tools that allow a precise knowledge of this vegetation. This study aims to predict shrub volume and analyze the factors affecting the accuracy of these estimations in small stands using airborne discrete-return LiDAR data. The study was performed over 83 circular stands with 0.5 m radius located in Chiva (Spain) mainly occupied by Quercus coccifera. The vegetation inside each area was clear cut, and the height and the diameter of each plant was measured to compute the volume of shrub vegetation per stand. Volume values were related with maximum height values derived from LiDAR data reaching a coefficient of determination value R² = 0.26. Afterwards, factors affecting the quality of volume estimations were analyzed, i.e., vegetation type, LiDAR density, and accuracy of the digital terrain model (DTM). Significant accuracy improvements (R² = 0.71) were detected for stands with 0.5 m, LiDAR data density greater than 8 points/m², vegetation Q. coccifera, and error associated to the DTM less than 0.20 m. These results show the feasibility of using LiDAR data to predict shrub volume under certain conditions, which can contribute to improved forest management and characterization.

Citation Download Citation

Javier Estornell, Luis A. Ruiz, Txomin Hermosilla, and Borja Velazquez-Marti "Assessment of factors affecting shrub volume estimations using airborne discrete-return LiDAR data in Mediterranean areas," Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 6(1), 063544 (21 June 2012). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JRS.6.063544

Published: 21 June 2012

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

;

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE