Abstract
In the microwave region, discrete physical models are often used to simulate surface emission and backscattering of forests. These models require detailed information on the geometry of the forest constituents, typically represented by canonical shapes. This paper presents a forest geometric description (FGD) of a Maritime pine tree forest (Pinus pinaster A/spl inodot//spl uml/t) suitable for discrete models at low microwave frequencies. The FGD contains a number of allometric equations developed from the analysis of a very large set of ground-based measurements of the forest structure. These allometric equations reproduce the density, shape, and dimension of branches, trunks, and needles, represented by cylinders in the FGD. An original approach to describe the tree architecture is presented: primary branches (branches inserted in the trunk) are split into segments or growth units (GUs) so that the full branch curvature can be accounted for, and probability distribution functions are given for the orientation and diameter of the GUs. The FGD uses only two variables, tree density (number of trees per ha) and tree age, as input information to simulate the forest geometric characteristics at three layers: the upper crown, the lower crown, and a crown-free layer. Input parameters to compute the dielectric constant of the forest constituents are also given.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.