In: Ross, Hill (Hrsg.): Proceedings of SilviLaser 2008 : 8th international conference on LiDAR applications in forest : assessment and inventory : September 17-19, 2008, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK. Edinburgh, UK, Heriot-Watt University 2008, pp. 227-235 . ISBN 978-0-85538-774-7

Preview

PDF, English - main document Download (675kB) | Terms of use

Abstract

Small-footprint airborne laser scanning (ALS) is ncreasingly used in vegetation and forest related applications. This paper explores the potential of full-waveform (FWF) ALS information (i.e. echo width and backscatter cross section) for tree species classification and forest structure parameterization. In order to obtain defined physical quantities, radiometric calibration of the recorded FWF data is performed by using a natural radiometric reference target (asphalt road). Based on a segmentation of the canopy surface, descriptive statistical values of laser echo attributes are derived and attached to the segment polygons, which represent large crown parts or even single trees. We found that average segment-based values of echo width and cross section are well suited to separate larch from deciduous trees (i.e. oak and beech). Additionally, the vertical distribution of the FWF information within a segment is specific for each tree species. On forest stand level a visual agreement of the segment-based FWF values with forest inventory reference data exists. We expect that with further investigation on the laser beam’s interaction with vegetation calibrated FWF information can assist tree species classification and forest inventory.