Abstract
Key messageNew technologies can take us towards real precision forestry: the terrestrial single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has a great potential to outperform conventional linear mode LiDARs in measuring tree parameters at the stand level.ContextPrecision forestry together with new sensor technologies implies Digital Forest Inventories for estimation of volume and quality of trees in a stand.AimsThis study compared commercial LiDAR, new prototype SPAD LiDAR, and manual methods for measuring tree quality attributes, i.e., diameter at breast height (DBH) and trunk curvature in the forest stand.MethodsWe measured 7 Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris) with commercial LiDAR (Zeb Horizon by GeoSLAM), prototype SPAD LiDAR, and manual devices. We compared manual measurements to the DBH and curvature values estimated based on LiDAR data. We also scanned a densely branched Picea abies to compare penetrability of the LiDARs and detectability of the obstructed trunk.ResultsThe DBH values deviated 1–3 cm correlating to the specified accuracies of the employed devices, showing close to acceptable results. The curvature values deviated 1–6 cm implying distorted range measurements from the top part of the trunks and inaccurate manual measurement method, leaving space for improvement. The most important finding was that the SPAD LiDAR outperformed conventional LiDAR in detecting tree stem of the densely branched spruce.ConclusionThese results represent preliminary but clear evidence that LiDAR technologies are already close to acceptable level in DBH measurements, but not yet satisfactory for curvature measurements. In addition, terrestrial SPAD LiDAR has a great potential to outperform conventional LiDARs in forest measurements of densely branched trees.
Highlights
Forestry has been behind most other industries in the adoption of digital technology, but this is about to change
Keeping in mind recent developments in tripod-based scanning solutions, we rather focused on solutions fitting in harvesters. This is the first study applying terrestrial single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) for measuring trees at the stand level, and we show preliminary evidence that SPAD LiDAR has a great potential for harvesters, outperforming traditional LiDAR technologies in conditions where the economically most valuable objects, the tree trunks, are partially obscured by branches, leaves, and foliage
The measured curvature values of the sample trees are shown in Table 3 for the trunk length of 4.2 m, determined based on 3dD LiDAR data and manual measurements
Summary
Forestry has been behind most other industries in the adoption of digital technology, but this is about to change. Recent studies are showing productivity increases in general agriculture at rates of 5 to 25 percent annually, with returns on investment of 1 to 2 years for digital technology, and similar gains are being realized by some pioneers today for forest products. Inspired by advances in agriculture, forestry operators globally have begun pioneering the use of advanced technologies to improve forest management results. Annals of Forest Science (2021) 78:79 inventory produces information for both strategic planning of forest management and for everyday forest operations such as tending and harvesting. With accurate forest inventory data, the value of harvested timber can be maximized, and the efficiency of operations can be increased. Potential wood buyers are interested in knowing what kind of timber assortments is available in each forest stand to meet their specific supply needs
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