Laser Scanning represents a new opportunity in forestry to effect meaningful change in the methods used for collection and analysis of inventory data. With the ability to collect spatial information in 360 degrees, while fluidly tracking the sensor and building the final point cloud, large tracks of terrestrial LiDAR based...
In this study, LIDAR, light detection and ranging, was examined as to its ability to
depict the existence of forest roads and 'legacy' roads. LIDAR is most often used to
'see' though the trees or vegetation to get an accurate representation of the terrain. As
opposed to trying to remove...
Lidar (LIght Detection And Ranging) is a remote sensing technology using light in the form of a pulsed laser, which enables efficient, accurate, 3-D data acquisition of a scene. Depending on the mounting platform, lidar data acquisition can be categorized into Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS, or airborne lidar), Terrestrial Laser...
Acquiring, maintaining, disseminating, and utilizing quality data is key to adequate understanding and management of ecosystems. Modern remote sensing technology provides us an increasingly cost effective, unique opportunity for acquiring highly detailed information across every square meter of a landscape. The plethora of data available to scientists allows for use...
Realistic assessment of the vertical distribution of clouds, particularly the occurrence of multi-layered systems, is critical for accurate calculations of radiative transfer in general circulation models. Such information is also useful in the design and improvement of satellite retrieval techniques. Current methods for retrieving cloud properties from satellite data assume...
Land management practices in much of the western US that included wildland fire suppression have led to greater fuel loads than has been typical of historical fire regimes. In response to the increased wildland fire risk, “restoration” has emerged as a forest management goal. Restoration involves removal of uncharacteristic amounts...
3D laser scanning has been used extensively in engineering reconnaissance surveys to capture perishable data in an efficient, reliable, and precise manner. Many insights on damage can be obtained from the data through various methods of post-processing; however, many of these techniques are often labor intensive. This delay reduces the...
Three-dimensional laser scanning has revolutionized spatial data acquisition and can be completed from a variety of platforms including airborne (ALS), mobile (MLS), and static terrestrial (TLS) laser scanning. MLS is a rapidly evolving technology that provides increases in efficiency and safety over static TLS, while still providing similar levels of...
Airborne discrete-return lidar is an active remote sensing technology capable of obtaining accurate, fine-resolution three-dimensional measurements over large areas. Discrete-return lidar data produce three-dimensional object characterizations in the form of point clouds defined by precise x, y and z coordinates. The data also provide intensity values for each point that...
The production of high value non-conventional products, such as long utility poles; or the production of low value bulky products, such as chips or grindings; provide opportunities for forest owners to increase value from their forests. The transport of these products requires the use of specialized trucks and trailers. However,...