Abstract
Light detection and ranging (Lidar) and color infrared imagery (CIR) were used to quantify forest structure and to distinguish deciduous from coniferous trees for selected stands on the William B. Bankhead National Forest in Alabama. Lidar bare ground and vegetation point clouds were used to determine tree heights and tree locations. Lidar accuracy was assessed by comparing Lidar-derived tree heights to field-measured tree heights. An independent t-test showed Lidar-derived coniferous tree heights were statistically the same as field-measured heights (p = 0.24). Likewise, the mean Lidar deciduous tree heights were statistically the same as the average field-measured tree heights (p = 0.10).
Parent Publication
Citation
Stephens, Jeffrey; Dimov, Luben; Schweitzer, Callie; Tadesse, Wubishet. 2008. Using Lidar and color infrared imagery to successfully measure stand characteristics on the William B. Bankhead National Forest, Alabama. In: Jacobs, Douglass F.; Michler, Charles H., eds. 2008. Proceedings, 16th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2008 April 8-9; West Lafayette, IN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-24. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 366-373.
