Article
Forestry
Linlin Wu, Yongjun Shi, Fanyi Zhang, Yufeng Zhou, Zhentian Ding, Shixin Lv, Lin Xu
Summary: This study measured the canopy volume, carbon stock, and biomass expansion factor (BEF) of urban greening tree species using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). The results showed that TLS point cloud data were highly reproducible and accurate. The BEF of urban greening tree species fluctuated irregularly due to human interference and cluttered urban environments. Leaf carbon stocks were influenced by the size of the voxel, and different tree measurement factors had variable degrees of influence on BEF.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Wioleta Blaszczak-Bak, Czeslaw Suchocki, Tomasz Kozakiewicz, Joanna Janicka
Summary: The popularity of smartphones and advancements in sensor technologies have created new possibilities for scientific applications and cost-effective observations. This study proposes a new methodology using the LiDAR sensor in the Apple iPhone XR to examine wall cracks and resulting displacement. Dedicated spatial measurement targets (SMTs) were used to measure quasi-flat and homogeneous walls. The methodology includes smartphone measurements with and without SMTs, and their analysis compared to terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) measurements. The analysis shows that smartphone measurement with LiDAR and SMT is better than TLS for detecting small cracks such as 0.5-1.0 mm.
Review
Geography, Physical
Nathan Sanchiz-Viel, Estelle Bretagne, El Mustapha Mouaddib, Pascal Dassonvalle
Summary: In addition to measuring spatial information, LiDAR sensor systems also measure an intensity scalar which corresponds to the amplitude of the backscattered laser beam. However, due to dependencies of geometrical parameters and processing modifications, this information cannot be directly used. Efforts are being made in the research community to convert this signal into a value that could bring qualitative and quantitative new applications.
ISPRS JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Han Wang, Wangfei Zhang, Guijun Yang, Lei Lei, Shaoyu Han, Weimeng Xu, Riqiang Chen, Chengjian Zhang, Hao Yang
Summary: In this study, a novel method for field monitoring of maize ear height (EH) and ear-plant height ratio (ER) was proposed based on the relationship between ear position and vertical leaf area profile. The method was validated using data collected from 128 field plots. The results of this study provide important insights for maize breeding and molecular breeding of maize cultivars.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ralph Dubayah, John Armston, Sean P. Healey, Jamis M. Bruening, Paul L. Patterson, James R. Kellner, Laura Duncanson, Svetlana Saarela, Goran Stahl, Zhiqiang Yang, Hao Tang, J. Bryan Blair, Lola Fatoyinbo, Scott Goetz, Steven Hancock, Matthew Hansen, Michelle Hofton, George Hurtt, Scott Luthcke
Summary: This paper presents the estimation of biomass distribution at global and national levels based on the GEDI investigation, along with the standard error of the estimates. These estimates serve as a baseline for monitoring and assessing the impacts of land use changes on atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Jiao, Dacheng Wang, Xiaojing Yao, Shudong Wang, Tianhe Chi, Yu Meng
Summary: In this study, a measurement method using optical satellite imagery and space LiDAR data fusion was proposed to assess forest emissions reduction. The method demonstrated efficiency and accuracy in predicting forest carbon stock at a large scale. Building a quality control framework is crucial to improve carbon stock estimation and meet carbon standards.
Article
Forestry
Chiung Ko, Seunghyun Lee, Jongsu Yim, Donggeun Kim, Jintaek Kang
Summary: This study utilized a LiDAR sensor to estimate tree characteristics in a Cryptomeria japonica forest in Jeju Island, South Korea. Results showed a 100% detection rate of standing trees by LiDAR, with high statistical accuracy in certain pathways and shorter processing times compared to traditional inventory methods. Further research is needed to confirm the efficiency of using backpack personal laser scanning in different forest stands.
Article
Forestry
Zoe Schindler, Thomas Seifert, Jonathan P. Sheppard, Christopher Morhart
Summary: This study provides a set of allometric models for wild cherry trees in agroforestry systems. Through terrestrial laser scanning and quantitative structure models, 70 trees in southwestern Germany were surveyed and analyzed. The derived biomass model, based on volume estimates converted to biomass, shows no significant differences to a previous study conducted on agroforestry trees under a different management regime in the same region.
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Annika Kangas, Timo P. Pitkanen, Lauri Mehtatalo, Juha Heikkinen
Summary: The volume models used in Finland for the last four decades exhibit illogical behavior for small trees. In recent studies, changes in tree stem form over time and space have been observed, potentially influenced by environmental factors. This research aims to develop new models for volume and taper curves to examine the effects of management and environmental factors, and improve the understanding of stem form changes. The results indicate spatial trends in stem form and significant changes in Lapland, particularly in the lowest part of the stem of large pines.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jose Javier Perez, Maria Senderos, Amaia Casado, Inigo Leon
Summary: The aim of this study is to digitally capture large urban settings quickly. The research design is based on the Design Science Research (DSR) concept, using 3D models to generate solutions. By analyzing and optimizing LiDAR ALS point clouds provided by government bodies, additional TLS capture techniques and UAV-assisted automated photogrammetric techniques, the on-site working time was reduced by more than two thirds, increasing efficiency.
Article
Remote Sensing
Linda Luck, Mirjam Kaestli, Lindsay B. Hutley, Kim Calders, Shaun R. Levick
Summary: Low-cost TLS data acquisition and efficient processing can be used for large-scale assessment of tree volume. A simple voxel model was used to calculate individual tree volume in a 1 ha plot in a tropical savanna woodland, and an allometric model based on aerial surveys explained 99% of variance in total tree volume. This study highlights the utility of lower-cost data acquisition and efficient processing for vegetation mapping and monitoring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenge Ni-Meister, Alejandro Rojas, Shihyan Lee
Summary: This study developed a model to estimate plot-level aboveground biomass density (AGBD) directly from large-footprint lidar waveform measurements. The model was applied in different geographic regions and showed improved accuracy in AGBD estimates. This model could potentially serve as a general and robust model for monitoring forest carbon stocks at the continental and global scales.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Samuel Hillman, Luke Wallace, Karin Reinke, Simon Jones
Summary: Advances in fire behavior modeling are driving the development of next generation fuel inputs, with Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) carrying Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors proposed as a potential source of fine fuel properties. This study evaluates the ability of UAS LiDAR point clouds to describe crown fuel elements in eucalypt trees, showing promising results in separating crown fuel and wood compared to dense Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data.
ISPRS JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaoxia Zhao, Yanjun Su, Tianyu Hu, Mengqi Cao, Xiaoqiang Liu, Qiuli Yang, Hongcan Guan, Lingli Liu, Qinghua Guo
Summary: Accurate quantification of grassland structural and functional traits is crucial for grassland management and restoration. UAV lidar technology is recognized as an accurate and effective technique for estimating vegetation traits at a local to regional scale. However, in grassland ecosystems, UAV lidar data loss is more prevalent at the canopy tops, which significantly impacts the estimation accuracy of grassland traits.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Man Wang, Jungho Im, Yinghui Zhao, Zhen Zhen
Summary: This study explores the non-destructive estimation of individual tree aboveground biomass using unmanned aerial vehicle and terrestrial LiDAR data. The results show that the hierarchical Bayesian method and multi-platform LiDAR data provide a potential solution for accurate individual tree AGB modeling with small sample sizes.
Article
Ecology
Alyson M. Stobo-Wilson, Brett P. Murphy, Teigan Cremona, Susan M. Carthew, Shaun R. Levick
Summary: Arboreal mammals in northern Australia, especially in low rainfall regions of tropical savannas, have seen a significant decline. Research focused on how habitat structure influences den-tree selection of the savanna glider found that canopy height, total canopy cover, and tree size were positively correlated with rainfall. Traditional habitat surveys and terrestrial LiDAR technology were used to analyze and compare habitat structure and den-tree selection.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Soyeon Bae, Lea Heidrich, Shaun R. Levick, Martin M. Gossner, Sebastian Seibold, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Paul Magdon, Alla Serebryanyk, Claus Baessler, Deborah Schafer, Ernst-Detlef Schulze, Inken Doerfler, Jorg Mueller, Kirsten Jung, Marco Heurich, Markus Fischer, Nicolas Roth, Peter Schall, Steffen Boch, Stephan Woellauer, Swen C. Renner, Joerg Mueller
Summary: Despite increasing interest in beta-diversity, the mechanisms underlying species turnover at different spatial scales are not fully understood. Our study revealed that environmental factors and landscape spatial structure have different effects on community composition, and these effects vary among different functional groups.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara D'hont, Kim Calders, Harm Bartholomeus, Tim Whiteside, Renee Bartolo, Shaun Levick, Sruthi M. Krishna Moorthy, Louise Terryn, Hans Verbeeck
Summary: This study investigates the use of UAV-based observations for precise and scalable termite mound detection and morphological characterisation. The results show that UAV-LS data can be rapidly acquired and provide higher spatial detail for monitoring and mapping termite mounds over relatively large areas compared to airborne and spaceborne remote sensing techniques.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kirrilly Pfitzner, Renee Bartolo, Tim Whiteside, David Loewensteiner, Andrew Esparon
Summary: The study used miniaturisation of hyperspectral sensors on drones to monitor non-native grass species, revealing subtle spectral differences that can be used to distinguish between species. The late dry season and end of the wet season provided the best timeframe for obtaining spectral data on non-native grass species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Justin Hughes, Cuan Petheram, Andrew Taylor, Matthias Raiber, Phil Davies, Shaun Levick
Summary: Hydrological investigation on small islands is challenging due to the physical environment and limited resources. Norfolk Island, as a typical small island in the South-west Pacific, has experienced water shortages, highlighting the lack of hydrological knowledge for informed decisions. Analysis of field measurements and data comparison reveals a decline in rainfall, increased potential evapo-transpiration, and changes in land cover, resulting in a significant decline in groundwater level and runoff.
Article
Ecology
Amelie Corriveau, Marcel Klaassen, Stephen T. Garnett, Mirjam Kaestli, Keith Christian, Tara L. Crewe, David A. Loewensteiner, Hamish A. Campbell
Summary: Negative interactions between waterbirds and people are increasing. This study investigates the space use and habitat selection of magpie geese, an endemic waterbird in Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. The findings suggest that management of geese should be coordinated at the local or regional scale to effectively address conflicts with farmers.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Mitchel L. M. Rudge, Shaun R. Levick, Renee E. Bartolo, Peter D. Erskine
Summary: This article explores practical options for creating landscape-scale forest restoration targets that embrace spatial pattern. Hierarchy theory, satellite remote sensing, landscape pattern analysis, drone-based remote sensing, and spatial point pattern analysis are all useful tools for assessing and quantifying the spatial pattern of reference landscapes and informing forest restoration targets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew J. Harford, Renee E. Bartolo, Chris L. Humphrey, Jaylen D. Nicholson, Darren L. Richardson, David Rissik, Michelle Iles, Jeffrey M. Dambacher
Summary: This study utilizes qualitative mathematical modeling to conduct ecological risk assessments for both terrestrial and aquatic systems, providing support for the rehabilitation of the Ranger uranium mine. The results indicate that fire and weeds have significant impacts on the terrestrial system, while magnesium plays a crucial role in the aquatic system. Additionally, the qualitative modeling approach serves as a decision tool for identifying important subsystems in further research efforts.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Yiqing Guo, Karel Mokany, Cindy Ong, Peyman Moghadam, Simon Ferrier, Shaun R. Levick
Summary: The diversity of terrestrial vascular plants plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability and productivity. This study evaluated the potential of using DESIS hyperspectral data to predict plant species richness in two different habitats in southeast Australia. The results showed that the DESIS data performed well in predicting plant species richness, with certain spectral regions being more important than others.
ISPRS JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Louise Terryn, Kim Calders, Markku Akerblom, Harm Bartholomeus, Mathias Disney, Shaun Levick, Niall Origo, Pasi Raumonen, Hans Verbeeck
Summary: Detailed 3D quantification of tree structure is crucial for understanding tree- and plot-level biophysical processes. Our ITSMe toolbox, which works with LiDAR tree point clouds and quantitative structure models, provides a robust framework for obtaining individual tree structural metrics from 3D data. It is open-source and aims to make the use of 3D data more straightforward and transparent for researchers interested in tree structure information.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harm Bartholomeus, Kim Calders, Tim Whiteside, Louise Terryn, Sruthi M. Krishna Moorthy, Shaun R. Levick, Renee Bartolo, Hans Verbeeck
Summary: In vegetation monitoring, it is important to understand the changes caused by measurement setup and true representations of vegetation dynamics. This study examines the differences in derived forest metrics using three different UAV-LiDAR systems in a savanna woodland. The findings show that all three systems can accurately derive plot characteristics, but clear differences exist between metrics derived with different sensors, particularly in the lower parts of the canopy. It is crucial to be aware of these differences when comparing UAV-LiDAR data of forest areas through time.