Title
Multisource Single-Tree Inventory in the Prediction of Tree Quality Variables and Logging Recoveries
Abstract
The stem diameter distribution, stem form and quality information must be measured as accurately as possible to optimize cutting. For a detailed measurement of the stands, we developed and demonstrated the use of a multisource single-tree inventory (MS-STI). The two major bottlenecks in the current airborne laser scanning (ALS)-based single-tree-level inventory, tree detection and tree species recognition, are avoided in MS-STI. In addition to airborne 3D data, such as ALS, MS-STI requires an existing tree map with tree species information as the input information. In operational forest management, tree mapping would be carried out after or during the first thinning. It should be highlighted that the tree map is a challenging prerequisite, but that the recent development in mobile 2D and 3D laser scanning indicates that the solution is within reach. In our study, the tested input tree map was produced by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and by using a Global Navigation Satellite System. Predictors for tree quality attributes were extracted from ALS data or digital stereo imagery (DSI) and used in the nearest-neighbor estimation approach. Stem distribution was compiled by summing the predicted single-tree measures. The accuracy of the MS-STI was validated using harvester data (timber assortments) and field measures (stem diameter, tree height). RMSEs for tree height, diameter, saw log volume and pulpwood volume varied from 4.2% to 5.3%, from 10.9% to 19.9%, from 28.7% to 43.5% and from 125.1% to 134.3%, respectively. Stand-level saw log recoveries differed from -2.2% to 1.3% from the harvester measurements, as the respective differences in pulpwood recovery were between -3.0% and 10.6%. We conclude that MS-STI improves the predictions of stem-diameter distributions and provides accurate estimates for tree quality variables if an accurate tree map is available.
Year
DOI
Venue
2014
10.3390/rs6043475
REMOTE SENSING
Keywords
Field
DocType
airborne laser scanning,LiDAR,terrestrial laser scanning,mobile laser scanning,forest technology,forestry,forest,GIS,remote sensing
Laser scanning,Thinning,Remote sensing,Satellite system,Forest inventory,Lidar,Tree inventory,Forest management,Geology,Logging
Journal
Volume
Issue
Citations 
6
4
0
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.34
9
7
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Mikko Vastaranta129834.91
ninni saarinen263.53
Ville Kankare3659.21
Markus Holopainen435740.95
Harri Kaartinen560863.10
Juha Hyyppa637745.75
Hannu Hyyppa720223.16