Community
Select to view content in your preferred language

Calculate Timber Volume using LiDAR

4956
5
04-09-2013 09:17 AM
KevinMyles
by
Deactivated User
‎04-09-2013 09:17 AM
Hello,

Is there a relatively easy way to calculate timber volumes with LiDAR imagery?

So far I have determined the tree heights using the Bare Earth and All Returns tool in ENVI. I also have the math to average tree diameters (DBH). For this project I am just assuming that all trees are white spruce with heights from about 10-20 meters. So I haven't classified by type or anything. I know I could just find the area of the tree stands and run the calculations but that won't account for canopy volume or give me a count of the trees.

Any other ideas? Thanks!
0 Kudos
5 Replies
KevinMyles
by
Deactivated User
‎04-09-2013 09:46 AM
This is just a quick student project showing the different uses of LiDAR.

I have the LiDAR imagery already. I am thinking of masking everything but the trees, then using classification to vector. Once in ArcMAP I would calculate the area and then run the tree height vs. diameter with it. I am making big assumptions and just assuming it is all one type.

Am I relatively on track?
0 Kudos
WesKing
by
Deactivated User
‎04-09-2013 10:29 AM
Hi,
Have you seen this ESRI white paper?  It's a suggested read for your project.

[URL="http://www.esri.com/library/whitepapers/pdfs/lidar-analysis-forestry-10.pdf"]

Hope this helps.  It's a great paper!!!

Wes
0 Kudos
KevinMyles
by
Deactivated User
‎04-09-2013 10:51 AM
Thanks Wes, definitely useful for vegetation density.
0 Kudos
JeffreyEvans
by
Frequent Contributor
‎04-12-2013 04:42 PM
Take a look at these two papers for general background and a review. This is really not a question that can simply be answered on a forum. You need to perform a literature review to make some critical decision on what method is appropriate in relation to your specific question.  

http://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/1/4/776

http://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/1/4/934
0 Kudos