scholarly journals Applications of Photogrammetry for Analysis of Forest Plantations. Preliminary study: Analysis of individual trees

2015 ◽  
Vol XL-7/W3 ◽  
pp. 477-481
Author(s):  
R. Mora ◽  
A. Barahona ◽  
H. Aguilar
Keyword(s):  
Digital Camera ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Volume Measurement ◽  
Forest Plantation ◽  
San Jose ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Dense Point ◽  
Tabebuia Rosea ◽  
Individual Trees

This paper presents a method for using high detail volumetric information, captured with a land based photogrammetric survey, to obtain information from individual trees. Applying LIDAR analysis techniques it is possible to measure diameter at breast height, height at first branch (commercial height), basal area and volume of an individual tree. Given this information it is possible to calculate how much of that tree can be exploited as wood. The main objective is to develop a methodology for successfully surveying one individual tree, capturing every side of the stem a using high resolution digital camera and reference marks with GPS coordinates. The process is executed for several individuals of two species present in the metropolitan area in San José, Costa Rica, <i>Delonix regia</i> (Bojer) Raf. and <i>Tabebuia rosea</i> (Bertol.) DC., each one with different height, stem shape and crown area. Using a photogrammetry suite all the pictures are aligned, geo-referenced and a dense point cloud is generated with enough detail to perform the required measurements, as well as a solid tridimensional model for volume measurement. This research will open the way to develop a capture methodology with an airborne camera using close range UAVs. An airborne platform will make possible to capture every individual in a forest plantation, furthermore if the analysis techniques applied in this research are automated it will be possible to calculate with high precision the exploit potential of a forest plantation and improve its management.

scholarly journals Adjudicating Perspectives on Forest Structure: How Do Airborne, Terrestrial, and Mobile Lidar-Derived Estimates Compare?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2297
Author(s):  
Jonathon J. Donager ◽  
Andrew J. Sánchez Meador ◽  
Ryan C. Blackburn
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Forest Monitoring ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Structural Configurations ◽  
Individual Trees

Applications of lidar in ecosystem conservation and management continue to expand as technology has rapidly evolved. An accounting of relative accuracy and errors among lidar platforms within a range of forest types and structural configurations was needed. Within a ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona, we compare vegetation attributes at the tree-, plot-, and stand-scales derived from three lidar platforms: fixed-wing airborne (ALS), fixed-location terrestrial (TLS), and hand-held mobile laser scanning (MLS). We present a methodology to segment individual trees from TLS and MLS datasets, incorporating eigen-value and density metrics to locate trees, then assigning point returns to trees using a graph-theory shortest-path approach. Overall, we found MLS consistently provided more accurate structural metrics at the tree- (e.g., mean absolute error for DBH in cm was 4.8, 5.0, and 9.1 for MLS, TLS and ALS, respectively) and plot-scale (e.g., R2 for field observed and lidar-derived basal area, m2 ha−1, was 0.986, 0.974, and 0.851 for MLS, TLS, and ALS, respectively) as compared to ALS and TLS. While TLS data produced estimates similar to MLS, attributes derived from TLS often underpredicted structural values due to occlusion. Additionally, ALS data provided accurate estimates of tree height for larger trees, yet consistently missed and underpredicted small trees (≤35 cm). MLS produced accurate estimates of canopy cover and landscape metrics up to 50 m from plot center. TLS tended to underpredict both canopy cover and patch metrics with constant bias due to occlusion. Taking full advantage of minimal occlusion effects, MLS data consistently provided the best individual tree and plot-based metrics, with ALS providing the best estimates for volume, biomass, and canopy cover. Overall, we found MLS data logistically simple, quickly acquirable, and accurate for small area inventories, assessments, and monitoring activities. We suggest further work exploring the active use of MLS for forest monitoring and inventory.

scholarly journals Individual Tree Attribute Estimation and Uniformity Assessment in Fast-Growing Eucalyptus spp. Forest Plantations Using Lidar and Linear Mixed-Effects Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 3599
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Vieira Leite ◽  
Carlos Alberto Silva ◽  
Midhun Mohan ◽  
Adrián Cardil ◽  
Danilo Roberti Alves de Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Forest Plantations ◽  
Forest Plantation ◽  
Projected Area ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Lorenz Curves ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Crown Volume ◽  
Individual Trees

Fast-growing Eucalyptus spp. forest plantations and their resultant wood products are economically important and may provide a low-cost means to sequester carbon for greenhouse gas reduction. The development of advanced and optimized frameworks for estimating forest plantation attributes from lidar remote sensing data combined with statistical modeling approaches is a step towards forest inventory operationalization and might improve industry efficiency in monitoring and managing forest resources. In this study, we first developed and tested a framework for modeling individual tree attributes in fast-growing Eucalyptus forest plantation using airborne lidar data and linear mixed-effect models (LME) and assessed the gain in accuracy compared to a conventional linear fixed-effects model (LFE). Second, we evaluated the potential of using the tree-level estimates for determining tree attribute uniformity across different stand ages. In the field, tree measurements, such as tree geolocation, species, genotype, age, height (Ht), and diameter at breast height (dbh) were collected through conventional forest inventory practices, and tree-level aboveground carbon (AGC) was estimated using allometric equations. Individual trees were detected and delineated from lidar-derived canopy height models (CHM), and crown-level metrics (e.g., crown volume and crown projected area) were computed from the lidar 3-D point cloud. Field and lidar-derived crown metrics were combined for ht, dbh, and AGC modeling using an LME. We fitted a varying intercept and slope model, setting species, genotype, and stand (alone and nested) as random effects. For comparison, we also modeled the same attributes using a conventional LFE model. The tree attribute estimates derived from the best LME model were used for assessing forest uniformity at the tree level using the Lorenz curves and Gini coefficient (GC). We successfully detected 96.6% of the trees from the lidar-derived CHM. The best LME model for estimating the tree attributes was composed of the stand as a random effect variable, and canopy height, crown volume, and crown projected area as fixed effects. The %RMSE values for tree-level height, dbh, and AGC were 8.9%, 12.1%, and 23.7% for the LFE model and improved to 7.3%, 7.1%, and 13.6%, respectively, for the LME model. Tree attributes uniformity was assessed with the Lorenz curves and tree-level estimations, especially for the older stands. All stands showed a high level of tree uniformity with GC values approximately 0.2. This study demonstrates that accurate detection of individual trees and their associated crown metrics can be used to estimate Ht, dbh, and AGC stocks as well as forest uniformity in fast-growing Eucalyptus plantations forests using lidar data as inputs to LME models. This further underscores the high potential of our proposed approach to monitor standing stock and growth in Eucalyptus—and similar forest plantations for carbon dynamics and forest product planning.

Modelling growing space requirement for Alnus nepalensis D. Don in Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Prasad Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Models ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Area Density ◽  
Space Requirement ◽  
Space Model ◽  
Alnus Nepalensis ◽  
Crown Diameter ◽  
Individual Trees

Relationship between crown diameter and stem diameter of individual trees can be translated into mathematical model, and used to generate information of growing space requirement for individual trees and crown competition index for growth models. Nine different crown diameter prediction models were developed using inventory data of Alnus nepalensis trees from a part of Parbat and Syanja districts in Nepal. Among those developed, a non-linear three parameter-based model (W = β0 {1 – exp( - β1D)}β2) explained the greatest proportion of variations of crown diameter (R2adj = 0.78), and showed desirable behaviour of flexibility and robustness. An individual tree growing space model was then derived from crown model to generate important information of shocking limits and stand basal area density for monoculture plantation or natural stands of Alnus nepalensis. Because of its flexibility, crown model is seemed potentially useful for extrapolation purpose also. However, the model cannot be applied for buttressed, wolfed and malformed trees. Key words: Alnus nepalensis; crown model; growing space model; stocking limit; basal area density Banko Janakari Vol.16(2) 2006 pp.30-36

Wood density in Norway spruce: changes with thinning intensity and tree age

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1767-1778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuula Jaakkola ◽  
Harri Mäkinen ◽  
Pekka Saranpää
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Wood Density ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Thinning Intensity ◽  
Individual Tree Growth ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Individual Trees

The effect of thinning intensity on growth and wood density in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) was investigated in two long-term thinning experiments in southeastern Finland. The stands were approaching maturity, and their development had already been studied for 30 years. The intensities of thinning were low, normal, and high (i.e., the stand basal area after the thinning was, on average, 40, 27, and 24 m2·ha–1, respectively, in Heinola, and 30, 28, and 17 m2·ha–1 in Punkaharju, respectively). Compared with the low thinning intensity, the normal and high thinning intensities increased the basal-area increment of individual trees by 52% and 68%, respectively. Normal and high thinning intensities resulted in a relatively small reduction (1%–4%) of mean ring density compared with low thinning intensity. The random variation in wood density between and within trees was large. About 27% of the total variation in wood density was related to variation between rings. Our results indicate that the prevailing thinning intensities in Norway spruce stands in Fennoscandia cause no marked changes in wood density. At least, the possible reduction in wood density is low compared with the increase in individual tree growth.

Stand structure and growing space efficiency following thinning in an even-aged Douglas-fir stand

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 859-866 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. O'Hara
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Projection Area ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Space Efficiency ◽  
Individual Trees

The growth of individual trees from four thinning treatments in a 64-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stand was analyzed to determine desirable residual stand structures after thinning. Dominant and codominant trees had the highest individual tree stem volume growth rates over the previous 5 years, and accounted for most stand volume growth in thinned and unthinned stands. Two measures of growing space, crown projection area and sapwood basal area (a surrogate for leaf area), were used to measure how efficiently individual trees used their growing space. Crown classes were useful in characterizing growing space efficiency (volume growth per unit of growing space) only in the unthinned treatment. In thinned treatments, tall trees with medium-sized crowns were most efficient, while in the unthinned treatment, tall trees with relatively large crowns were most efficient. A large crown in an unthinned stand was comparable in size to a medium-sized crown in a thinned stand. Results suggest growing space is not limiting individual tree growth in thinned stands and that thinning to a particular stand structure is more appropriate than thinning to a particular level of stand density.

scholarly journals Effect of Crown Growing Space on the Development of Young Hardwood Crop Trees

2000 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary W. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Black Cherry ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Quercus Prinus ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
Initial Area ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Individual Trees

Abstract Crown release of individual crop trees can be used to increase the growth and competitiveness of selected trees in young hardwood stands. Forest managers need information on the response of individual trees to such thinnings to prescribe stand treatments that meet specific management objectives. Codominant northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.), black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) crop trees in stands 12 to 16 yr old were given a crown-touching release by cutting all adjacent trees that touched the crown of a selected crop tree. A heavier thinning, which entailed cutting all competing trees whose crowns were within 5 ft of the crown of a selected crop tree, was also applied to black cherry and yellow-poplar crop trees on one study site. Stand and individual-tree response was monitored for control and treated plots for 10 yr. Both release treatments increased periodic stand basal area growth and had a negligible effect on the proportion of high-value species among overstory trees. Individual-tree development was affected by total growing space, defined as the initial area occupied by the crop-tree crown plus the area of free growing space resulting from release. As total growing space increased, there was a positive effect on dbh, crown ratio, and crown diameter growth, and a negative effect on clear stem development. Total height growth was reduced by heavy release but not by the more moderate crown-touching release. North. J. Appl. For. 17(1):25-35.

Construction of a stand growth model utilizing photosynthesis and respiration relationships in individual trees

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 1027-1035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Risto Sievänen ◽  
Thomas E. Burk ◽  
Alan R. Ek
Keyword(s):  
Growth Model ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Stand Growth ◽  
Long Term Trends ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Photosynthesis And Respiration

A discrete growth model for an individual tree in a forest stand is presented. The model is based on simplified photosynthesis and respiration relationships. Implementation of the model also requires functions for change in live crown ratio and stems per unit area. Tree growth predictions are expressed in terms of biomass and basal area. A preliminary evaluation of the model is made using data from the literature on the growth of even-aged stands of red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.). The model produced both short- and long-term trends consistent with stand growth data. The evaluation suggests further possibilities for model component refinement.

The application of digital photogrammetry and image analysis techniques to derive tree and stand characteristics

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1224-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Zagalikis ◽  
A D Cameron ◽  
D R Miller
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Picea Sitchensis ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Crown Delineation ◽  
Tree Crown Delineation ◽  
Image Analysis Techniques ◽  
Stand Characteristics

Ground-based forest inventory surveys can provide highly accurate measurements of tree and stand characteristics, but these are expensive to carry out. Aerial photography has been used for several decades as a tool in forest management and inventory. However, conventional methods of interpretation are both time-consuming and costly, with results varying among interpreters. With continuing development of personal computer technology, aerial photographs have become more accessible for digital analysis. This paper presents the potential operational use of digitized aerial photographs for the estimation of tree and stand characteristics of two forest plantations of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière) in Scotland. The digitized aerial photographs were processed using softcopy photogrammetry, and image analysis techniques were used for individual tree crown delineation. For the first site the estimations of stand top height, basal area, volume, biomass, and density (–23.7%) were similar to the ground-measured stand characteristics (±10%), whereas for the second site the estimations were less accurate mainly because of the nonoptimal illumination conditions during the acquisition of the aerial photographs.

scholarly journals A simulation-based approach to a near-optimal thinning strategy: allowing harvesting times to be determined for individual trees

2019 ◽  
pp. 320-331
Author(s):  
Peter Fransson ◽  
Oskar Franklin ◽  
Ola Lindroos ◽  
Urban Nilsson ◽  
Åke Brännström
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Strategy ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Forest Growth ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Area Reduction ◽  
Forest Growth Model ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Individual Trees

As various methods for precision inventories, including light detection and ranging (LiDAR), are becoming increasingly common in forestry, planning at the individual-tree level is becoming more viable. In this study, we present a method for finding the optimal thinning times for individual trees from an economic perspective. The method utilizes a forest growth model based on individual trees that has been fitted to Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands in northern Sweden. We find that the optimal management strategy is to thin from above (i.e., harvesting trees that are larger than average). We compare our optimal strategy with a conventional management strategy and find that the optimal strategy results in approximately 20% higher land expectation value. Furthermore, we find that for the optimal strategy, increasing the discount rate will reduce the final harvest age and increase the basal area reduction. Decreasing the cost to initiate a thinning (e.g., machinery-related transportation costs) increases the number of thinnings and delays the first thinning.

Développement d'un modèle de type arbre appliqué à la croissance des peuplements feuillus irréguliers du sud de la Belgique

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1838-1848 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lejeune
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Stand ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
Individual Tree Growth ◽  
Forest Mensuration ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Changes Over Time

A model predicting circumference growth of individual trees has been developed for mixed irregular stands dominated by Fagussilvatica L. in southeastern Belgium. This model integrates simultaneously tree, stand, and growing site characteristics without considering distances between individual trees. It has a determination coefficient of 40.1% and a residual standard deviation of 0.45 cm/year. Forest mensuration variables considered in the model are circumference, tree social position represented by the total basal area of trees greater than the subject tree, stand basal area, and some index of stand structure corresponding to the ratio of the variance over the mean circumference. The site component is essentially expressed by the length of the growing period. The low accuracy obtained for individual tree growth is relative because the results are used mainly after individual trees have been distributed into size classes. We have been able to show that the introduction of crown description in the model can increase its accuracy. But this modification requires a submodel describing crown changes over time.

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