LiDAR Tree Segmentation for Forestry
LiDAR Tree Segmentation From Aerial / Drone LiDAR Supporting for Forestry Environmental Management
LiDAR Tree Segmentation: Precision Forestry from the Sky and Ground
How might you assess the health, growth, and potential of several thousand trees without weeks of manual hours by a ground team? Enter LiDAR technology-powerful, ultra-accurate, and incredibly efficient in the surveying and mapping of forests. Merging drone-based aerial flights and ground level SLAM-LiDAR gives an enormous quantum of data for assisting foresters and other environmental professionals.
In this blog, we will be looking at how LiDAR tree segmentation works, why it is an essential element of modern forestry, and how it underpins sustainable management. Whether you're managing a small woodland, urban forest, or a vast forest reserve, these insights will help you understand how LiDAR can transform the way you work.
What is LiDAR and Tree Segmentation?
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, which is a remote sensing technique drawing upon laser pulses to acquire very precise 3D models of the environment. In this case, a LiDAR sensor measures the time taken by the laser beams reflected on surfaces, producing 3D points that are taken for a Point Cloud data format for further processing.
Tree segmentation is an advanced post processing step that takes the LiDAR point cloud data even further, using deep learning algorithms. Using these advanced algorithms, we can isolate individual trees from the broader dataset, providing detailed metrics for each one. Think of it as a digital inventory system for forests, breaking down complex ecosystems into manageable data points for incredibly detailed analysis.
Key Metrics Extracted with LiDAR Tree Segmentation
Tree Height: Essential in determining growth patterns and forest health.
Crown Dimensions: Vital for canopy density studies and biodiversity monitoring.
Stem Volume and Biomass: Crucial for calculating timber yield and carbon storage.
Health Indicators: Detect irregularities that may signal disease or stress.
Application of LiDAR and Photogrammetry to Forests
Drone LiDAR / Aerial LiDAR
The LiDAR payloads equipped to our drones enable us to fly the drone above the tree canopy. Our flight route matches a rough terrain model DTM, so that elevation changes in the natural terrain are linearly matched in elevation with our drone.
This allows us to maintain a consistent point density which is very important when it comes to post processing the LiDAR point cloud for Canopy Height Model (CHM) based tree segmentation or the Point Cloud based Tree Segmentation method.
* * *For further reading on CHM’s please read our blog post “What is a Canopy Height Model?”
Our Drone-based LiDAR scans can cover vast areas, mapping even the densest tree canopies with high accuracy detail.
Advantages of Drone-Based LiDAR:
Wide Coverage: Ideal for large forests and remote areas.
Efficiency: Captures data efficiently and accurately reducing manual work hours
High Resolution: Provides detailed canopy-level data for comprehensive analysis.
Applications:
Forest inventory and planning.
Wildlife habitat assessment.
Identifying areas at risk
The Role of Photogrammetry
In most flights where we fly our drones for LiDAR surveys, we often incorporate photogrammetry into the workflow. Photogrammetry produces high-resolution, true-color images of the forest that serve as a very useful complement to the LiDAR data. We process these images into a high resolution, georeferenced orthomosaic.
This visual orthophoto aids in the following ways:
Visual Identification: Pinpointing tree species, landmarks, and specific areas of interest.
Ground Control Points: The LiDAR and photogrammetry will be tied to precise ground coordinates (x,y,z) for high absolute and relative positioning accuracy.
Enhanced Analysis: A more clear and visual context for interpreting LiDAR outputs.
In such a way, by merging LiDAR with photogrammetry, we provide a more holistic perspective on your forestry project.
Mobile SLAM LiDAR
Our mobile SLAM liDAR differs from our drone based systems because it works from the ground, below the canopy. Our crew walks the forest with our handheld or backpack SLAM LiDAR systems walking in grid patterns for even coverage. This method requires a lot more manual hours but the LiDAR scans using mobile SLAM methods provides incredible data which not only complements our aerial platforms, but takes it even further.
Advantages of SLAM LiDAR:
Close-Range Precision: Delivers highly accurate measurements at ground level.
Understory Mapping: Crucial for understanding forest density and regeneration.
Accessibility: Effective in dense forests where drones may struggle.
Applications:
Accurate tree inventory in foliated state.
Monitoring forest health and regeneration.
Complementing aerial data for a complete forest profile.
Why LiDAR Tree Segmentation is Essential for Modern Forestry
Unparalleled Precision
LiDAR provides data that traditional survey methods simply cannot match. With centimeter-level accuracy, it allows for confident decision-making based on precise tree attributes—whether determining timber value or monitoring forest health.
Time and Cost Efficiency
Forestry projects that used to take weeks can now be completed in days. Even in very dense forests with extreme elevation changes, requiring careful planning and multiple launch zones, the amount of land we can cover with each flight cannot be matched by traditional methods.
Sustainability in Practice
LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that underpins targeted interventions, enabling you to address specific issues with minimal disruption. Such precision contributes to broader sustainability goals, like minimizing environmental impact, reducing waste, and protecting biodiversity.
Drone LiDAR vs. Ground-Based SLAM: A Perfect Partnership
Rather than chose between aerial or ground-based LiDAR, we consider how we use these methods in concert, based on the particular challenges each project presents. Drones give a broad overview, while SLAM fills in the gaps with details on the ground. Together, they make for a complete dataset that allows for a full profile of the forest being surveyed.
How Our Forestry Drone Services Can Help
At Holland Productions, we specialize in a combination of LiDAR scanning with advanced technologies along with our robust post processing methods. Whether you need aerial drone surveys, ground-level SLAM mapping, or both, our team works with you to determine the correct solutions for your situation.
Why Choose Us?
Experience: A proven track record in forestry and remote sensing.
Technology: We own the latest LiDAR scanners and software for processing and analysis.
Collaboration: A client-focused approach that ensures we meet your goals.
Curious about how our services can streamline your forestry operations? Check out our Forestry Drone Services.
The Future of Forestry is Here
LiDAR tree segmentation is more than just a technological advancement; it is the pathway to smart and sustainable forest management. With the integration of aerial and ground-based LiDAR, comes precision, efficiency, and unparalleled environmental stewardship.
Ready to see how LiDAR can transform your forestry projects? Let’s start the conversation. Contact Us Today!