LiDAR Principles, Processing and Applications in Forest Ecology

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology is an emerging active remote sensing technology, offering a three-dimensional (3D) view for ecology studies. LiDAR allows terrain information and vegetation structure to be quantified in forest ecology, and in the next half-decade, will form an important part of forest ecology studies and forest management. LiDAR Principles, Processing and Applications in Forest Ecology introduces the principles of LiDAR technology and explains how to collect and process LiDAR data from different platforms, based on real-world experience. The book provides state-of the-art algorithms on how to extract forest parameters from LiDAR, and explains how to use them in forest ecology. It gives an interdisciplinary view of LiDAR, from the perspective of remote sensing and forest ecology. Because LiDAR is still rapidly developing, researchers must use programming languages to understand and process LiDAR data, rather than established software. In response, this book provides Python code examples and sample data. The title contains over 15 years of research, as well as contributions from scientists across the world. It gives a brief history and introduces the principles of LiDAR, as well as three commonly seen LiDAR platforms. The book lays out step-by-step coverage of LiDAR data processing and forest structure parameter extraction, complete with Python examples. Given the increasing usefulness of LiDAR in forest ecology, this volume represents an important resource for researchers, students and forest managers to better understand LiDAR technology and use it in forest ecology across the world. Presents LiDAR applications for forest ecology based in real-world experience Lays out the principles of LiDAR technology in forest ecology in a systematic and clear way Provides readers with state-of the-art algorithms on how to extract forest parameters from LiDAR Offers Python code examples and sample data to assist researchers in understanding and processing LiDAR data Contains over 15 years’ research on LiDAR in forest ecology and contributions from scientists working in this field across the world