Forest canopy height estimation using satellite laser altimetry: a case study in the Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Canopy height is a crucial metric required to quantify the aboveground plant biomass accurately. The study explores the data derived using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology from GeoScience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) aboard Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation satellite (ICESat) to derive canopy height estimate equations in the tropical forests of the Western Ghats, India. The interpretation of LiDAR waveforms for the purpose of estimating canopy heights is not straightforward, especially over sloping terrain where vegetation and ground are found at comparable heights. Canopy height models are developed using GLAS waveform extent and terrain index, derived from ASTER digital elevation, to counter the effect of topographic relief effects in canopy height estimates over steep terrain. The model was applied to calculate tree heights for whole of the Western Ghats. Results showed that the model can estimate tree heights within the specified height range with an accuracy of more than 90% while using percent overestimation/underestimation method of validation. This shows the effectiveness of the model, especially over steep slopes, also revealing that the models were able to successfully account for the pulse broadening effect. The study highlights the development of a LiDAR-based canopy height model for tropical forest and its ability to yield better canopy height estimates especially over steep slopes.