scholarly journals Estimating Canopy Parameters Based on the Stem Position in Apple Trees Using a 2D LiDAR

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikos Tsoulias ◽  
Dimitrios S. Paraforos ◽  
Spyros Fountas ◽  
Manuela Zude-Sasse
Keyword(s):  
Incident Angle ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Apple Orchard ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Stem Position

Data of canopy morphology are crucial for cultivation tasks within orchards. In this study, a 2D light detection and range (LiDAR) laser scanner system was mounted on a tractor, tested on a box with known dimensions (1.81 m × 0.6 m × 0.6 m), and applied in an apple orchard to obtain the 3D structural parameters of the trees (n = 224). The analysis of a metal box which considered the height of four sides resulted in a mean absolute error (MAE) of 8.18 mm with a bias (MBE) of 2.75 mm, representing a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.63% due to gaps in the point cloud and increased incident angle with enhanced distance between laser aperture and the object. A methodology based on a bivariate point density histogram is proposed to estimate the stem position of each tree. The cylindrical boundary was projected around the estimated stem positions to segment each individual tree. Subsequently, height, stem diameter, and volume of the segmented tree point clouds were estimated and compared with manual measurements. The estimated stem position of each tree was defined using a real time kinematic global navigation satellite system, (RTK-GNSS) resulting in an MAE and MBE of 33.7 mm and 36.5 mm, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) considering manual measurements and estimated data from the segmented point clouds appeared high with, respectively, R2 and RMSE of 0.87 and 5.71% for height, 0.88 and 2.23% for stem diameter, as well as 0.77 and 4.64% for canopy volume. Since a certain error for the height and volume measured manually can be assumed, the LiDAR approach provides an alternative to manual readings with the advantage of getting tree individual data of the entire orchard.

Retrieving individual tree heights from a point cloud generated with optical imagery from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (10) ◽  
pp. 1012-1024
Author(s):  
Meimei Wang ◽  
Jiayuan Lin
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Point Cloud ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
The Mean

Individual tree height (ITH) is one of the most important vertical structure parameters of a forest. Field measurement and laser scanning are very expensive for large forests. In this paper, we propose a cost-effective method to acquire ITHs in a forest using the optical overlapping images captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The data sets, including a point cloud, a digital surface model (DSM), and a digital orthorectified map (DOM), were produced from the UAV imagery. The canopy height model (CHM) was obtained by subtracting the digital elevation model (DEM) from the DSM removed of low vegetation. Object-based image analysis was used to extract individual tree crowns (ITCs) from the DOM, and ITHs were initially extracted by overlaying ITC outlines on the CHM. As the extracted ITHs were generally slightly shorter than the measured ITHs, a linear relationship was established between them. The final ITHs of the test site were retrieved by inputting extracted ITHs into the linear regression model. As a result, the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and the mean relative error (MRE) of the retrieved ITHs against the measured ITHs were 0.92, 1.08 m, 0.76 m, and 0.08, respectively.

Influence of ULS data acquisition characteristics on the achievable stem reconstruction accuracies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moritz Bruggisser ◽  
Johannes Otepka ◽  
Norbert Pfeifer ◽  
Markus Hollaus
Keyword(s):  
Point Cloud ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Forest Monitoring ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Tree Stem

<p>Unmanned aerial vehicles-borne laser scanning (ULS) allows time-efficient acquisition of high-resolution point clouds on regional extents at moderate costs. The quality of ULS-point clouds facilitates the 3D modelling of individual tree stems, what opens new possibilities in the context of forest monitoring and management. In our study, we developed and tested an algorithm which allows for i) the autonomous detection of potential stem locations within the point clouds, ii) the estimation of the diameter at breast height (DBH) and iii) the reconstruction of the tree stem. In our experiments on point clouds from both, a RIEGL miniVUX-1DL and a VUX-1UAV, respectively, we could detect 91.0 % and 77.6 % of the stems within our study area automatically. The DBH could be modelled with biases of 3.1 cm and 1.1 cm, respectively, from the two point cloud sets with respective detection rates of 80.6 % and 61.2 % of the trees present in the field inventory. The lowest 12 m of the tree stem could be reconstructed with absolute stem diameter differences below 5 cm and 2 cm, respectively, compared to stem diameters from a point cloud from terrestrial laser scanning. The accuracy of larger tree stems thereby was higher in general than the accuracy for smaller trees. Furthermore, we recognized a small influence only of the completeness with which a stem is covered with points, as long as half of the stem circumference was captured. Likewise, the absolute point count did not impact the accuracy, but, in contrast, was critical to the completeness with which a scene could be reconstructed. The precision of the laser scanner, on the other hand, was a key factor for the accuracy of the stem diameter estimation. <br>The findings of this study are highly relevant for the flight planning and the sensor selection of future ULS acquisition missions in the context of forest inventories.</p>

scholarly journals L1-NORM FITTING OF ELLIPTIC PARABOLOIDS WITH PRIOR INFORMATION FOR ENHANCED CONIFEROUS TREE LOCALIZATION IN ALS POINT CLOUDS

2019 ◽  
Vol IV-2/W5 ◽  
pp. 429-436
Author(s):  
P. Polewski ◽  
W. Yao ◽  
M. Heurich
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Quadratic Program ◽  
L1 Norm ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Elliptic Paraboloid ◽  
Least Squares Fitting ◽  
Crown Shape

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Airborne laser scanning (ALS) is an established tool for deriving various tree characteristics in forests. In some applications, an accurate pointwise estimate of the tree position is required. For dense data acquired by TLS or UAV-mounted scanners, this can be achieved by locating the stem, whose center coordinates are then used for deriving the planimetric tree position. However, in case of standard ALS data this is often not an option due to the low probability of obtaining stem hits in operational scenarios of forest mapping campaigns. This paper presents an alternative, indirect approach where the tree position is approximated as the center of a quadric surface which best represents the tree crown shape. The study targets coniferous trees due to their distinct crown shape which may be approximated by an elliptic paraboloid. It is assumed that individual tree point clusters are given and the task is to find the tree center for each cluster. We first consider the general problem of fitting an elliptic paraboloid with a known axis and an L1 residual norm error criterion, which is more robust to outliers compared to least-squares fitting. We formulate this problem as a quadratically constrained quadratic program (QCQP), and show how prior knowledge on the crown shape and center position can be incorporated. Next, a computationally simpler problem is considered where the paraboloid semiaxis lengths are constrained to be equal, and a corresponding linear program is constructed. Experiments on ALS datasets of forest plots from Bavaria, Germany and Oregon, USA reveal that a reduction in median tree position error of up to 20% can be attained compared to both least-squares fitting and other baseline techniques, resulting in an absolute error of ca. 22&amp;thinsp;cm on both datasets.</p>

scholarly journals An Individual-Tree, Merchantable Stem, Green Weight Equation for Loblolly Pine Pulpwood in Arkansas, Including Seasonal Effects

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul F. Doruska ◽  
David W. Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Mean Absolute Error ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Scaling Factor ◽  
Seasonal Effects ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Four Seasons ◽  
Weight Scaling ◽  
Stem Position

Abstract An individual-tree, merchantable stem (3-in. top), outside-bark, green weight equation was developed for loblolly pine pulpwood trees in southeast Arkansas. Trees were sampled from the same eight stands over the four seasons of the year; therefore, stand-to-stand variation did not impact results. Specific gravity did not differ within stem position across seasons. However, seasonal differences in moisture content led to different weight scaling factors by season, the largest weight scaling factor occurring in spring. As a result, the weight equation is parameterized differently based on season of the year. Stand origin (natural regeneration versus plantation) did not significantly impact weight scaling factor. The fitted equation explained 97% of the variation present in the data and possessed a mean absolute error of 24.1 lb per tree. Assuming the climatic conditions during the project were typical; up to a 6% difference in estimated merchantable stem weight occurs based on season of the year. Use of this equation and these results should assist those inventorying, buying, and selling loblolly pine pulpwood by weight in southeast Arkansas and nearby surrounding regions.

scholarly journals Modelling the Diameter Distribution of Savanna Trees with Drone-Based LiDAR

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1266
Author(s):  
Mitchel L. M. Rudge ◽  
Shaun R. Levick ◽  
Renee E. Bartolo ◽  
Peter D. Erskine
Keyword(s):  
Allometric Scaling ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Tree Crowns ◽  
Tree Metrics ◽  
Diameter Distributions

The diameter distribution of savanna tree populations is a valuable indicator of savanna health because changes in the number and size of trees can signal a shift from savanna to grassland or forest. Savanna diameter distributions have traditionally been monitored with forestry techniques, where stem diameter at breast height (DBH) is measured in the field within defined sub-hectare plots. However, because the spatial scale of these plots is often misaligned with the scale of variability in tree populations, there is a need for techniques that can scale-up diameter distribution surveys. Dense point clouds collected from uncrewed aerial vehicle laser scanners (UAV-LS), also known as drone-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), can be segmented into individual tree crowns then related to stem diameter with the application of allometric scaling equations. Here, we sought to test the potential of UAV-LS tree segmentation and allometric scaling to model the diameter distributions of savanna trees. We collected both UAV-LS and field-survey data from five one-hectare savanna woodland plots in northern Australia, which were divided into two calibration and three validation plots. Within the two calibration plots, allometric scaling equations were developed by linking field-surveyed DBH to the tree metrics of manually delineated tree crowns, where the best performing model had a bias of 1.8% and the relatively high RMSE of 39.2%. A segmentation algorithm was then applied to segment individual tree crowns from UAV-LS derived point clouds, and individual tree level segmentation accuracy was assessed against the manually delineated crowns. 47% of crowns were accurately segmented within the calibration plots and 68% within the validation plots. Using the site-specific allometry, DBH was modelled from crown metrics within all five plots, and these modelled results were compared to field-surveyed diameter distributions. In all plots, there were significant differences between field-surveyed and UAV-LS modelled diameter distributions, which became similar at two of the plots when smaller trees (<10 cm DBH) were excluded. Although the modelled diameter distributions followed the overall trend of field surveys, the non-significant result demonstrates a need for the adoption of remotely detectable proxies of tree size which could replace DBH, as well as more accurate tree detection and segmentation methods for savanna ecosystems.

scholarly journals Individual Tree Structural Parameter Extraction and Volume Table Creation Based on Near-Field LiDAR Data: A Case Study in a Subtropical Planted Forest

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 8162
Author(s):  
Sha Gao ◽  
Zhengnan Zhang ◽  
Lin Cao
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Parameter Extraction ◽  
Structural Parameter ◽  
Planted Forests ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Volume Models

Individual tree structural parameters are vital for precision silviculture in planted forests. This study used near-field LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data (i.e., unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (ULS) and ground backpack laser scanning (BLS)) to extract individual tree structural parameters and fit volume models in subtropical planted forests in southeastern China. To do this, firstly, the tree height was acquired from ULS data and the diameter at breast height (DBH) was acquired from BLS data by using individual tree segmentation algorithms. Secondly, point clouds of the complete forest canopy were obtained through the combination of ULS and BLS data. Finally, five tree taper models were fitted using the LiDAR-extracted structural parameters of each tree, and then the optimal taper model was selected. Moreover, standard volume models were used to calculate the stand volume; then, standing timber volume tables were created for dawn redwood and poplar. The extraction of individual tree structural parameters exhibited good performance. The volume model had a good performance in calculating the standing volume for dawn redwood and poplar. Our results demonstrate that near-field LiDAR has a strong capability of extracting tree structural parameters and creating volume tables for subtropical planted forests.

Données LiDAR aériennes: pertinence de l'interprétation visuelle pour la foresterie

2017 ◽  
Vol 168 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-133
Author(s):  
Matthew Parkan
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Airborne Lidar ◽  
Visual Interpretation ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Interactive 3D ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Airborne Lidar Data ◽  
Stem Position

Airborne LiDAR data: relevance of visual interpretation for forestry Airborne LiDAR surveys are particularly well adapted to map, study and manage large forest extents. Products derived from this technology are increasingly used by managers to establish a general diagnosis of the condition of forests. Less common is the use of these products to conduct detailed analyses on small areas; for example creating detailed reference maps like inventories or timber marking to support field operations. In this context, the use of direct visual interpretation is interesting, because it is much easier to implement than automatic algorithms and allows a quick and reliable identification of zonal (e.g. forest edge, deciduous/persistent ratio), structural (stratification) and point (e.g. tree/stem position and height) features. This article examines three important points which determine the relevance of visual interpretation: acquisition parameters, interactive representation and identification of forest characteristics. It is shown that the use of thematic color maps within interactive 3D point cloud and/or cross-sections makes it possible to establish (for all strata) detailed and accurate maps of a parcel at the individual tree scale.

scholarly journals Individual Tree Extraction from Terrestrial LiDAR Point Clouds Based on Transfer Learning and Gaussian Mixture Model Separation

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
Zhenyang Hui ◽  
Shuanggen Jin ◽  
Dajun Li ◽  
Yao Yevenyo Ziggah ◽  
Bo Liu
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Learning ◽  
Gaussian Mixture Model ◽  
Mixture Model ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Gaussian Mixture ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Terrestrial Lidar ◽  
Initial Segmentation ◽  
Tree Extraction

Individual tree extraction is an important process for forest resource surveying and monitoring. To obtain more accurate individual tree extraction results, this paper proposed an individual tree extraction method based on transfer learning and Gaussian mixture model separation. In this study, transfer learning is first adopted in classifying trunk points, which can be used as clustering centers for tree initial segmentation. Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA) transformation and kernel density estimation are proposed to determine the number of mixed components in the initial segmentation. Based on the number of mixed components, the Gaussian mixture model separation is proposed to separate canopies for each individual tree. Finally, the trunk stems corresponding to each canopy are extracted based on the vertical continuity principle. Six tree plots with different forest environments were used to test the performance of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve 87.68% average correctness, which is much higher than that of other two classical methods. In terms of completeness and mean accuracy, the proposed method also outperforms the other two methods.

scholarly journals An interpretable prediction method for university student academic crisis warning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhai Mingyu ◽  
Wang Sutong ◽  
Wang Yanzhang ◽  
Wang Dujuan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Prediction Method ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
University Student ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Achievement Prediction ◽  
Academic Achievement Prediction ◽  
Education Administrators

AbstractData-driven techniques improve the quality of talent training comprehensively for university by discovering potential academic problems and proposing solutions. We propose an interpretable prediction method for university student academic crisis warning, which consists of K-prototype-based student portrait construction and Catboost–SHAP-based academic achievement prediction. The academic crisis warning experiment is carried out on desensitization multi-source student data of a university. The experimental results show that the proposed method has significant advantages over common machine learning algorithms. In terms of achievement prediction, mean square error (MSE) reaches 24.976, mean absolute error (MAE) reaches 3.551, coefficient of determination ($$R^{2}$$ R 2 ) reaches 80.3%. The student portrait and Catboost–SHAP method are used for visual analysis of the academic achievement factors, which provide intuitive decision support and guidance assistance for education administrators.

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