Canopy Height Estimation by Characterizing Waveform LiDAR Geometry Based on Shape-Distance Metric

Title: Canopy Height Estimation by Characterizing Waveform LiDAR Geometry Based on Shape-Distance Metric

Authors: Eric Ariel L. Salas and Geoffrey M. Henebry

 Abstract: There have been few approaches developed for the estimation of height using waveform LiDAR data. Unlike any existing methods, we illustrate how the new Moment Distance (MD) framework can characterize the canopy height based on the geometry and return power of the LiDAR waveform without having to go through curve modeling processes. Our approach offers the possibilities of using the raw waveform data to capture vital information from the variety of complex waveform shapes in LiDAR. We assess the relationship of the MD metrics to the key waveform landmarks—such as locations of peaks, power of returns, canopy heights, and height metrics—using synthetic data and real Laser Vegetation Imaging Sensor (LVIS) data. In order to verify the utility of the new approach, we use field measurements obtained through the DESDynI (Deformation, Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics of Ice) campaign. Our results reveal that the MDI can capture temporal dynamics of canopy and segregate generations of stands based on curve shapes.

Citation: Eric Ariel L. Salas, Geoffrey M. Henebry. Canopy Height Estimation by Characterizing Waveform LiDAR Geometry Based on Shape-Distance Metric. AIMS Geosciences, 2016, 2(4): 366-390. doi: 10.3934/geosci.2016.4.366 

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