scholarly journals Estimating Aboveground Carbon Stock at the Scale of Individual Trees in Subtropical Forests Using UAV LiDAR and Hyperspectral Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 4969
Author(s):  
Haiming Qin ◽  
Weiqi Zhou ◽  
Yang Yao ◽  
Weimin Wang

Accurate estimation of aboveground carbon stock for individual trees is important for evaluating forest carbon sequestration potential and maintaining ecosystem carbon balance. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data has been widely used to estimate tree-level carbon stock. However, few studies have explored the potential of combining LiDAR and hyperspectral data to estimate tree-level carbon stock. The objective of this study is to explore the potential of integrating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) LiDAR with hyperspectral data for tree-level aboveground carbon stock estimation. To achieve this goal, we first delineated individual trees by a CHM-based watershed segmentation algorithm. We then extracted structural and spectral features from UAV LiDAR and hyperspectral data respectively. Then, Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between LiDAR features, hyperspectral features, and tree-level carbon stock, based on which, features were selected for model development. Finally, we developed tree-level carbon stock estimation models based on the Schumacher–Hall formula and stepwise multiple regression. Results showed that both LiDAR and hyperspectral features were strongly correlated to tree-level carbon stock. Both tree height (H, r = 0.75) and Green index (GI, r = 0.83) had the highest correlation coefficients with tree-level carbon stock in LiDAR and hyperspectral features, respectively. The best model using LiDAR features alone includes the metrics of H, the 10th height percentile of points (PH10), and mean height of points (Hmean), and can explain 74% of the variations in tree-level carbon stock. Similarly, the best model using hyperspectral data includes GI and modified normalized differential vegetation index (mNDVI), and has similar explanatory power (r2 = 0.75). The model that integrates predictors, namely, GI and the 95th height percentile of points (PH95) from hyperspectral and LiDAR data, substantially improves the explanatory power (r2 = 0.89). These results indicated that while either LiDAR data or hyperspectral data alone can estimate tree-level carbon stock with reasonable accuracy, combining LiDAR and hyperspectral features can substantially improve the explanatory power of the model. Such results suggested that tree-level carbon stock estimation can greatly benefit from the complementary nature of LiDAR-detected structural characteristics and hyperspectral-captured spectral information of vegetation.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 3330
Author(s):  
Xiandie Jiang ◽  
Guiying Li ◽  
Dengsheng Lu ◽  
Emilio Moran ◽  
Mateus Batistella

Timely updates of carbon stock distribution are needed to better understand the impacts of deforestation and degradation on forest carbon stock dynamics. This research aimed to explore an approach for estimating aboveground carbon density (ACD) in the Brazilian Amazon through integration of MODIS (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer) and a limited number of light detection and ranging (Lidar) data samples using linear regression (LR) and random forest (RF) algorithms, respectively. Airborne LiDAR data at 23 sites across the Brazilian Amazon were collected and used to calculate ACD. The ACD estimation model, which was developed by Longo et al. in the same study area, was used to map ACD distribution in the 23 sites. The LR and RF methods were used to develop ACD models, in which the samples extracted from LiDAR-estimated ACD were used as dependent variables and MODIS-derived variables were used as independent variables. The evaluation of modeling results indicated that ACD can be successfully estimated with a coefficient of determination of 0.67 and root mean square error of 4.18 kg C/m2 using RF based on spectral indices. The mixed pixel problem in MODIS data is a major factor in ACD overestimation, while cloud contamination and data saturation are major factors in ACD underestimation. These uncertainties in ACD estimation using MODIS data make it difficult to examine annual ACD dynamics of degradation and growth, however this method can be used to examine the deforestation-induced ACD loss.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 2540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinan Lin ◽  
Huaguo Huang ◽  
Jingxu Wang ◽  
Kan Huang ◽  
Yangyang Liu

In recent years, the outbreak of the pine shoot beetle (PSB), Tomicus spp., has caused serious shoots damage and the death of millions of trees in Yunnan pine forests in southwestern China. It is urgent to develop a convincing approach to accurately assess the shoot damage ratio (SDR) for monitoring the PSB insects at an early stage. Unmanned airborne vehicles (UAV)-based sensors, including hyperspectral imaging (HI) and lidar, have very high spatial and spectral resolutions, which are very useful to detect forest health. However, very few studies have utilized HI and lidar data to estimate SDRs and compare the predictive power for mapping PSB damage at the individual tree level. Additionally, the data fusion of HI and lidar may improve the detection accuracy, but it has not been well studied. In this study, UAV-based HI and lidar data were fused to detect PSB. We systematically evaluated the potential of a hyperspectral approach (only-HI data), a lidar approach (only-lidar data), and a combined approach (HI plus lidar data) to characterize PSB damage of individual trees using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, separately. The most innovative point is the proposed new method to extract the three dimensional (3D) shadow distribution of each tree crown based on a lidar point cloud and the 3D radiative transfer model RAPID. The results show that: (1) for the accuracy of estimating the SDR of individual trees, the lidar approach (R2 = 0.69, RMSE = 12.28%) performed better than hyperspectral approach (R2 = 0.67, RMSE = 15.87%), and in addition, it was useful to detect dead trees with an accuracy of 70%; (2) the combined approach has the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 9.93%) for mapping PSB damage degrees; and (3) when combining HI and lidar data to predict SDRs, two variables have the most contributions, which are the leaf chlorophyll content (Cab) derived from hyperspectral data and the return intensity of the top of shaded crown (Int_Shd_top) from lidar metrics. This study confirms the high possibility to accurately predict SDRs at individual tree level if combining HI and lidar data. The 3D radiative transfer model can determine the 3D crown shadows from lidar, which is a key information to combine HI and lidar. Therefore, our study provided a guidance to combine the advantages of hyperspectral and lidar data to accurately measure the health of individual trees, enabling us to prioritize areas for forest health promotion. This method may also be used for other 3D land surfaces, like urban areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saroni Biswas ◽  
Anirban Biswas ◽  
Arabinda Das ◽  
Saon Banerjee

Purpose This study aims to assess the biodiversity of the study area and estimate the carbon stock of two dry deciduous forest ranges of Banka Forest Division, Bihar, India. Design/methodology/approach The phytosociological analysis was performed and C stock estimation based on volume determination through nondestructive methods was done. Findings Phytosociological analysis found total 18,888 [14,893 < 10 cm (diameter at breast height) dbh] and 2,855 (1,783 < 10 cm dbh) individuals at Banka and Bounsi range with basal area of 181,035.00 cm2 and 32,743.76 cm2, respectively. Importance value index was highest for Shorea robusta in both the ranges. Species diversity index and dominance index, 1.89 and 1.017 at Banka and 1.99 and 5.600 at Bounsi indicated the prevalence of biotic pressure. Decreased dbh and tree height resulted in a lowered growing stock volume as 59,140.40 cm3 ha−1 (Banka) and 71,306.37 cm3 ha−1 (Bounsi). Total C stock at Banka and Bounsi range was 51.8 t ha-1 and 12.56 t ha−1, respectively where the highest C stock is recorded for Shorea robusta in both the ranges (9.8 t ha−1 and 2.54 t ha-1, respectively). A positive correlation between volume, total biomass and basal area of tree species with C stock was observed. R2 value for Banka range was 0.9269 (volume-C stock), 1 (total biomass-C stock) and 0.647 (basal area-C stock). Strong positive correlation was also established at Bounsi range with R2 value of 1. Considering the total forest area enumerated, C sequestration potential was about 194.25 t CO2 (Banka) and 45.9 t CO2 (Bounsi). The valuation of C stock was therefore US$2,525.25 (Banka) and US$596.70 (Bounsi). Practical implications The research found the potentiality of the study area to sequester carbon. However, for future, the degraded areas would require intervention of management strategies for restoration of degraded lands and protection of planted trees to increase the carbon sequestration potential of the area. Originality/value Present study is the first attempt to assess the phytosociology and estimate the regulatory services of forest with respect to biomass and carbon stock estimation for the Banka forest division of Bihar.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1441
Author(s):  
Jin Han Park ◽  
Jianbang Gan ◽  
Chan Park

The net primary productivity (NPP) of a forest is an important indicator of its potential for the provision of ecosystem services such as timber, carbon, and biodiversity. However, accurately and consistently quantifying global forest NPP remains a challenge in practice. We converted carbon stock changes using the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) data and carbon losses associated with disturbances and timber removals into an NPP equivalent measurement (FRA NPP*) and compared it with the NPP derived from the MODIS satellite data (MOD17 NPP) for the world’s forests. We found statistically significant differences between the two NPP estimates, with the FRA NPP* being lower than the MOD17 NPP; the differences were correlated with forest cover, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and GDP per capita in countries, and may also stem from the NPP estimation methods and scopes. While the former explicitly accounts for carbon losses associated with timber removals and disturbances, the latter better reflects the principles of photosynthesis. The discrepancies between the two NPP estimates increase in countries with a low income or low forest cover, calling for enhancing their forest resource assessment capacity. By identifying the discrepancies and underlying factors, we also provide new insights into the relationships between the MOD17 NPP and global forest carbon stock estimates, motivating and guiding future research to improve the robustness of quantifying global forest NPP and carbon sequestration potential.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 692
Author(s):  
MD Abdul Mueed Choudhury ◽  
Ernesto Marcheggiani ◽  
Andrea Galli ◽  
Giuseppe Modica ◽  
Ben Somers

Currently, the worsening impacts of urbanizations have been impelled to the importance of monitoring and management of existing urban trees, securing sustainable use of the available green spaces. Urban tree species identification and evaluation of their roles in atmospheric Carbon Stock (CS) are still among the prime concerns for city planners regarding initiating a convenient and easily adaptive urban green planning and management system. A detailed methodology on the urban tree carbon stock calibration and mapping was conducted in the urban area of Brussels, Belgium. A comparative analysis of the mapping outcomes was assessed to define the convenience and efficiency of two different remote sensing data sources, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and WorldView-3 (WV-3), in a unique urban area. The mapping results were validated against field estimated carbon stocks. At the initial stage, dominant tree species were identified and classified using the high-resolution WorldView3 image, leading to the final carbon stock mapping based on the dominant species. An object-based image analysis approach was employed to attain an overall accuracy (OA) of 71% during the classification of the dominant species. The field estimations of carbon stock for each plot were done utilizing an allometric model based on the field tree dendrometric data. Later based on the correlation among the field data and the variables (i.e., Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI and Crown Height Model, CHM) extracted from the available remote sensing data, the carbon stock mapping and validation had been done in a GIS environment. The calibrated NDVI and CHM had been used to compute possible carbon stock in either case of the WV-3 image and LiDAR data, respectively. A comparative discussion has been introduced to bring out the issues, especially for the developing countries, where WV-3 data could be a better solution over the hardly available LiDAR data. This study could assist city planners in understanding and deciding the applicability of remote sensing data sources based on their availability and the level of expediency, ensuring a sustainable urban green management system.


Plant Methods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanjun Luo ◽  
Yingbin He ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Weihua Jiao ◽  
Yaqiu Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The accurate estimation of potato yield at regional scales is crucial for food security, precision agriculture, and agricultural sustainable development. Methods In this study, we developed a new method using multi-period relative vegetation indices (rVIs) and relative leaf area index (rLAI) data to improve the accuracy of potato yield estimation based on the weighted growth stage. Two experiments of field and greenhouse (water and nitrogen fertilizer experiments) in 2018 were performed to obtain the spectra and LAI data of the whole growth stage of potato. Then the weighted growth stage was determined by three weighting methods (improved analytic hierarchy process method, IAHP; entropy weight method, EW; and optimal combination weighting method, OCW) and the Slogistic model. A comparison of the estimation performance of rVI-based and rLAI-based models with a single and weighted stage was completed. Results The results showed that among the six test rVIs, the relative red edge chlorophyll index (rCIred edge) was the optimal index of the single-stage estimation models with the correlation with potato yield. The most suitable single stage for potato yield estimation was the tuber expansion stage. For weighted growth stage models, the OCW-LAI model was determined as the best one to accurately predict the potato yield with an adjusted R2 value of 0.8333, and the estimation error about 8%. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of inconsistent contributions of multi-period or different types of data to the results when they are used together, and the weights need to be considered.


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Charles Hill ◽  
Edmund Ryan ◽  
Mathew Williams

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 2725
Author(s):  
Qixia Man ◽  
Pinliang Dong ◽  
Xinming Yang ◽  
Quanyuan Wu ◽  
Rongqing Han

Urban vegetation extraction is very important for urban biodiversity assessment and protection. However, due to the diversity of vegetation types and vertical structure, it is still challenging to extract vertical information of urban vegetation accurately with single remotely sensed data. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) can provide elevation information with high-precision, whereas hyperspectral data can provide abundant spectral information on ground objects. The complementary advantages of LiDAR and hyperspectral data could extract urban vegetation much more accurately. Therefore, a three-dimensional (3D) vegetation extraction workflow is proposed to extract urban grasses and trees at individual tree level in urban areas using airborne LiDAR and hyperspectral data. The specific steps are as follows: (1) airborne hyperspectral and LiDAR data were processed to extract spectral and elevation parameters, (2) random forest classification method and object-based classification method were used to extract the two-dimensional distribution map of urban vegetation, (3) individual tree segmentation was conducted on a canopy height model (CHM) and point cloud data separately to obtain three-dimensional characteristics of urban trees, and (4) the spatial distribution of urban vegetation and the individual tree delineation were assessed by validation samples and manual delineation results. The results showed that (1) both the random forest classification method and object-based classification method could extract urban vegetation accurately, with accuracies above 99%; (2) the watershed segmentation method based on the CHM could extract individual trees correctly, except for the small trees and the large tree groups; and (3) the individual tree segmentation based on point cloud data could delineate individual trees in three-dimensional space, which is much better than CHM segmentation as it can preserve the understory trees. All the results suggest that two- and three-dimensional urban vegetation extraction could play a significant role in spatial layout optimization and scientific management of urban vegetation.


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