Overview

LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses lasers to measure distances. Combined with complementary data, these measurements can generate 3D models of a surface. This 3D approach can measure canopy height and density along with many environmental parameters. In remote areas and areas with steep slopes, airborne LiDAR has proved effective in monitoring vegetation structure (Getzin et al. 2017). In this unit, we explore the potential of airborne LiDAR data to understand forest structure and derive LiDAR metrics useful for upscaling.

Learning objectives

• Learn the applications of LiDAR data
• Work with point cloud data
• Derive useful LiDAR metrics

Comments

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