Estimating Geographical PV Potential Using LiDAR Data for Buildings in Downtown San Francisco

Sustainable solar energy is of the interest for the city of San Francisco to meet their renewable energy initiative. Buildings in the downtown area are expected to have great photovoltaic (PV) potential for future solar panel installation. This study presents a comprehensive method for estimating geographical PV potential using remote sensed LiDAR data for buildings in downtown San Francisco. LiDAR derived DSMs and DTMs were able to generate high quality building footprints using the object‐oriented classification method. The GRASS built‐in solar irradiation model (r.sun) was used to simulate and compute PV yields. Monthly and yearly maps, as well as an exquisite 3D city building model, were created to visualize the variability of solar irradiation across the study area. Results showed that monthly sum of solar irradiation followed a one‐year cycle with the peak in July and troughs in January and December. The mean yearly sum of solar irradiation for the buildings in the study area was estimated to be 1675 kWh/m². A multiple regression model was used to test the significance of building height, roof area and roof complexity against PV potential. Roof complexity was found to be the dominant determinant. Uncertainties of the research are mainly from the inherent r.sun limitations, boundary problems, and the LiDAR data accuracy in terms of both building footprint extraction and 3D modeling. Future work can focus on a more automated process and segment rooftops of buildings to achieve more accurate estimation of PV potential. The outcome of this research can assist decision makers in San Francisco to visualize building PV potential, and further select ideal places to install PV systems. The methodology presented and tested in this research can also be generalized to other cities in order to meet contemporary society's need for renewable energy.     

基于ICESatGLAS的云南省森林地上生物量反演

结合机载、星载激光雷达对GLAS(地球科学激光测高系统)光斑范围内的森林地上生物量进行估测,并利用MODIS植被产品以及MERIS土地覆盖产品进行了云南省森林地上生物量的连续制图。机载LiDAR扫描的260个训练样本用于构建星载GLAS的森林地上生物量估测模型,模型的决定系数(R2)为0.52,均方根误差(RMSE)为31Mg/ha。研究结果显示,云南省总森林地上生物量为12.72亿t,平均森林地上生物量为94Mg/ha。估测的森林地上生物量空间分布情况与实际情况相符,森林地上生物量总量与基于森林资源清查数据的估测结果相符,表明了利用机载LiDAR与星载ICESatGLAS结合进行大区域森林地上生物量估测的可靠性。     

机载激光雷达及高光谱的森林乔木物种多样性遥感监测

利用机载LiDAR和高光谱数据并结合37个地面调查样本数据,基于结构差异与光谱变异理论,通过相关分析法分别筛选了3个最优林冠结构参数和6个最优光谱指数,在单木尺度上利用自适应C均值模糊聚类算法,在神农架国家自然保护区开展森林乔木物种多样性监测,实现了森林乔木物种多样性的区域成图。研究结果表明,(1)基于结合形态学冠层控制的分水岭算法可以获得较高精度的单木分割结果(R~2=0.88,RMSE=13.17,P0.001);(2)基于LiDAR数据提取的9个结构参数中,95%百分位高度、冠层盖度和植被穿透率为最优结构参数,与Shannon-Wiener指数的相关性达到R~2=0.39—0.42(P0.01);(3)基于机载高光谱数据筛选的16个常用的植被指数中,CRI、OSAVI、Narrow band NDVI、SR、Vogelmann index1、PRI与Shannon-Wiener指数的相关性最高(R~2=0.37—0.45,P0.01);(4)在研究区,利用以30 m×30 m为窗口的自适应模糊C均值聚类算法可预测的最大森林乔木物种数为20,物种丰富度的预测精度为R~2=0.69,RMSE=3.11,Shannon-Wiener指数的预测精度为R~2=0.70,RMSE=0.32。该研究在亚热带森林开展乔木物种多样性监测,是在区域尺度上进行物种多样性成图的重要实践,可有效补充森林生物多样性本底数据的调查手段,有助于实现生物多样性的长期动态监测及科学分析森林物种多样性的现状和变化趋势。     

机载激光雷达数据分析与反演青海云杉林结构信息

利用机载激光雷达点云数据,计算了9种度量指标,并将其分为冠层的高度指标、结构复杂度指标和覆盖度指标。利用高度指标和结构复杂度指标,结合大量实测单木结构与年龄估测数据,从样点和区域尺度分别分析了青海云杉林冠层垂直结构分布,分析得知实验区内主要以中龄林和成熟林为主,冠层垂直分布复杂程度偏低,高度分化程度一般。通过回归分析发现首次回波覆盖度指标FCI与实测的有效植被面积指数PAI_e有良好的相关性（R²=0.66）,在此基础上基于辐射传输模型反演了实验区内PAI_e的水平分布,且用实测数据验证发现反演的PAI_e略高于实测值（R²=0.67）,绝对平均误差为0.65。分析结果很好地反映了激光雷达在森林空间结构信息提取方面的应用潜力。     

An automated algorithm for mapping building impervious areas from airborne LiDAR point-cloud data for flood hydrology

Buildings, as impervious surfaces, are an important component of total impervious surface areas that drive urban stormwater response to intense rainfall events. Most stormwater models that use percent impervious area (PIA) are spatially lumped models and do not require precise locations of building roofs, as in other applications of building maps, but do require accurate estimates of total impervious areas within the geographic units of observation (e.g. city blocks or sub-watershed units). Two-dimensional mapping of buildings from aerial imagery requires laborious efforts from image analysts or elaborate image analysis techniques using high spatial resolution imagery. Moreover, large uncertainties exist where tall, dense vegetation obscures the structures. Analyzing LiDAR point-cloud data, however, can distinguish buildings from vegetation canopy and facilitate the mapping of buildings. This paper presents a new building extraction approach that is based on and optimized for estimating building impervious areas (BIA) for hydrologic purposes and can be used with standard GIS software to identify building roofs under tall, thick canopy. Accuracy assessment methods are presented that can optimize model performance for modeling BIA within the geographic units of observation for hydrologic applications. The Building Extraction from LiDAR Last Returns (BELLR) model, a 2.5D rule-based GIS model, uses a non-spatial, local vertical difference filter (VDF) on LiDAR point-cloud data to automatically identify and map building footprints. The model includes an absolute difference in elevation (AdE) parameter in the VDF that compares the difference between mean and modal elevations of last-returns in each cell.

The BELLR model is calibrated for an extensive inner-city, highly urbanized small watershed in Columbia, South Carolina, USA that is covered by tall, thick vegetation canopy that obscures many buildings. The calibration of BELLR used a set of building locations compiled by photo-analysts, and validation used independent building reference data. The model is applied to two residential neighborhoods, one of which is a residential area within the primary watershed and the other is a younger suburban neighborhood with a less-well developed tree canopy used as a validation site. Performance results indicate that the BELLR model is highly sensitive to concavity in the lasboundary tool of LAStools® and those settings are highly site specific. The model is also sensitive to cell size and the AdE threshold values. However, properly calibrated the BIA for the two residential sites could be estimated within 1% error for optimized experiments.

To examine results in a hydrologic application, the BELLR estimated BIAs were tested using two different types of hydrologic models to compare BELLR results with results using the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) 2011 Percent Developed Imperviousness data. The BELLR BIA values provide more accurate results than the use of the 2011 NLCD PIA data in both models. The VDF developed in this study to map buildings could be applied to LiDAR point-cloud filtering algorithms for feature extraction in machine learning or mapping other planar surfaces in more broad-based land-cover classifications.     

Impact of data model and point density on aboveground forest biomass estimation from airborne LiDAR

Background

Accurate estimation of aboveground forest biomass (AGB) and its dynamics is of paramount importance in understanding the role of forest in the carbon cycle and the effective implementation of climate change mitigation policies. LiDAR is currently the most accurate technology for AGB estimation. LiDAR metrics can be derived from the 3D point cloud (echo-based) or from the canopy height model (CHM). Different sensors and survey configurations can affect the metrics derived from the LiDAR data. We evaluate the ability of the metrics derived from the echo-based and CHM data models to estimate AGB in three different biomes, as well as the impact of point density on the metrics derived from them.

Results

Our results show that differences among metrics derived at different point densities were significantly different from zero, with a larger impact on CHM-based than echo-based metrics, particularly when the point density was reduced to 1 point m^?2. Both data models-echo-based and CHM-performed similarly well in estimating AGB at the three study sites. For the temperate forest in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA, R² ranged from 0.79 to 0.8 and RMSE (relRMSE) from 69.69 (35.59%) to 70.71 (36.12%) Mg ha^?1 for the echo-based model and from 0.76 to 0.78 and 73.84 (37.72%) to 128.20 (65.49%) Mg ha^?1 for the CHM-based model. For the moist tropical forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, the models gave R² ranging between 0.70 and 0.71 and RMSE between 30.08 (12.36%) and 30.32 (12.46) Mg ha^?1 [between 0.69–0.70 and 30.42 (12.50%) and 61.30 (25.19%) Mg ha^?1] for the echo-based [CHM-based] models. Finally, for the Atlantic forest in the Sierra do Mar, Brazil, R² was between 0.58–0.69 and RMSE between 37.73 (8.67%) and 39.77 (9.14%) Mg ha^?1 for the echo-based model, whereas for the CHM R² was between 0.37–0.45 and RMSE between 45.43 (10.44%) and 67.23 (15.45%) Mg ha^?1.

Conclusions

Metrics derived from the CHM show a higher dependence on point density than metrics derived from the echo-based data model. Despite the median of the differences between metrics derived at different point densities differing significantly from zero, the mean change was close to zero and smaller than the standard deviation except for very low point densities (1 point m^?2). The application of calibrated models to estimate AGB on metrics derived from thinned datasets resulted in less than 5% error when metrics were derived from the echo-based model. For CHM-based metrics, the same level of error was obtained for point densities higher than 5 points m^?2. The fact that reducing point density does not introduce significant errors in AGB estimates is important for biomass monitoring and for an effective implementation of climate change mitigation policies such as REDD + due to its implications for the costs of data acquisition. Both data models showed similar capability to estimate AGB when point density was greater than or equal to 5 point m^?2.

     

激光雷达回波模型辅助的坡地森林冠层高度反演

大光斑激光雷达数据已广泛应用于森林冠层高度提取,但通常仅限于地形坡度小于20°的平缓地区。在地形坡度大于20°的陡峭山区,地形引起的波形展宽使得地面回波和植被回波信息混合在一起,给森林冠层高度提取带来巨大挑战。本文利用激光雷达回波模型和地形信息,提出了一种模型辅助的坡地森林冠层高度反演算法。该方法以激光雷达回波信号截止点为参考,定义了波形高度指数H50和H75,使用激光雷达回波模型与已知地形信息模拟裸地的激光雷达回波,将裸地回波信号截止点与森林激光雷达回波信号截止点对齐,利用裸地回波计算常用的波形相对高度指数RH50和RH75,对森林冠层高度进行反演。并与高斯波形分解法和波形参数法的反演结果进行了比较。研究结果表明:(1)利用所提取的波形指数RH50和RH75对胸高断面积加权平均高(Lorey’s height)进行了估算,在坡度小于20°时,高斯波形分解法、波形参数法和模型辅助法的估算结果与实测值线性拟合的相关系数(R2)分别为0.70,0.78和0.98,对应的均方根误差(RMSE)分别为2.90 m,2.48 m和0.60 m,模型辅助法略优于其他两种方法;(2)在坡度大于20°时,高斯波形分解法、波形参数法和模型辅助法的R2分别为0.14,0.28和0.97,相应的RMSE分别为4.93 m,4.53 m和0.81 m,模型辅助法明显优于其他两种方法;(3)在0°—40°时,模型辅助法对Lorey’s height估算结果与实测值的R2为0.97,RMSE为0.80 m。本研究提出的模型辅助法具有更好的地形适应性,在0°—40°的坡度范围内具备对坡地森林冠层高度反演的潜力。     

Prediction of L-band signal attenuation in forests using 3D vegetation structure from airborne LiDAR

In this study, we propose a novel method to predict microwave attenuation in forested areas by using airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). While propagating through a vegetative medium, microwave signals suffer from reflection, absorption, and scattering within vegetation, which cause signal attenuation and, consequently, deteriorate signal reception and information interpretation. A Fresnel zone enveloping the radio frequency line-of-sight is applied to segment vegetation structure occluding signal propagation. Return parameters and the spatial distribution of vegetation from the airborne LiDAR inside Fresnel zones are used to weight the laser points to estimate directional vegetation structure. A Directional Vegetation Density (DVD) model is developed through regression that links the vegetation structure to the signal attenuation at the L-band using GPS observations in a mixed forest in North Central Florida. The DVD model is compared with currently-used empirical models and obtained better R² values of 0.54 than the slab-based models. Finally, the model is evaluated by comparing with GPS observations of signal attenuation. An overall root mean square error of 3.51 dB and a maximum absolute error of 9.38 dB are found. Sophisticated classification algorithms and full-waveform LiDAR systems may significantly improve the estimation of signal attenuation.     

车载激光扫描点云中建筑物边界的快速提取

以车载激光扫描点云数据为研究对象,提出一种由粗到细且快速获取点云中建筑物3维位置边界的方法。首先,通过分析格网内部点云的空间分布特征(平面距离、高程差异和点密集程度等)确定激光扫描点的权值,采用距离加权倒数IDW(Inverse Distance Weighted)内插方法生成车载激光扫描点云的特征图像。然后,采用阈值分割、轮廓提取与跟踪等手段提取特征图像中的建筑物目标的粗糙边界。最后,对粗糙边界内部的建筑物目标点云进行平面分割,提取建筑物的立面特征并构建立面不规则三角网TIN(Triangulated Irregular Network),并在建筑物先验框架知识条件下自动提取建筑物的精确3维位置边界。     

Fine-resolution forest tree height estimation across the Sierra Nevada through the integration of spaceborne LiDAR,airborne LiDAR,and optical imagery

ABSTRACT

Forests of the Sierra Nevada (SN) mountain range are valuable natural heritages for the region and the country, and tree height is an important forest structure parameter for understanding the SN forest ecosystem. There is still a need in the accurate estimation of wall-to-wall SN tree height distribution at fine spatial resolution. In this study, we presented a method to map wall-to-wall forest tree height (defined as Lorey’s height) across the SN at 70-m resolution by fusing multi-source datasets, including over 1600 in situ tree height measurements and over 1600?km² airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. Accurate tree height estimates within these airborne LiDAR boundaries were first computed based on in situ measurements, and then these airborne LiDAR-derived tree heights were used as reference data to estimate tree heights at Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) footprints. Finally, the random forest algorithm was used to model the SN tree height from these GLAS tree heights, optical imagery, topographic data, and climate data. The results show that our fine-resolution SN tree height product has a good correspondence with field measurements. The coefficient of determination between them is 0.60, and the root-mean-squared error is 5.45?m.     

集成Landsat OLI和机载LiDAR条带数据的亚热带森林生物量制图

以亚热带天然次生林为研究对象,借助一个条带的少量LiDAR点云数据和覆盖整个研究区的免费Landsat OLI多光谱数据,并结合地面实测数据,探索森林生物量低成本高精度制图方法。首先,提取了OLI和LiDAR特征变量,并与地上和地下生物量进行相关分析以筛选变量;然后,借助LiDAR数据覆盖区的样地和条带LiDAR数据构建"LiDAR生物量模型";再从LiDAR反演生物量的结果中进行采样,结合OLI特征变量构建"LiDAR-OLI模型";最后,与单独使用OLI多光谱数据建立的"OLI估算模型"结果进行比较,分析精度并验证新方法的效果。结果表明,"LiDAR-OLI模型"对地上和地下生物量的模型拟合效果较好且均优于"OLI模型",且其交叉验证的精度也较高并优于"OLI模型",从而证明了新方法的可靠性及有效性。本研究为主、被动遥感技术在中小尺度上协同反演森林参数提供了实验基础,也为基于全覆盖免费OLI多光谱数据及条带LiDAR数据的低成本森林生物量制图探索了技术路线。     

高分二号异轨立体数据的森林高度提取

森林植被碳储量的空间分布格局及其动态变化是陆地生态系统碳收支核算的基础。作为森林地上生物量的重要指示因子,森林高度的精确估算是提高森林植被碳储量估算精度的关键。现有研究已证明,由专业星载摄影测量系统获取的立体观测数据可用于森林高度提取,但光学遥感数据最大的问题是受云雨等天气因素的影响严重。区域森林地上生物量产品的生产需要充分挖掘潜在数据源。国产高分二号卫星(GF-2)虽然不是为获取立体观测数据而设计的专业星载摄影测量系统,但其获取的图像空间分辨率可达0.8 m,且具备±35°的的侧摆能力,在重复观测区域可构成异轨立体观测。本文以分别获取于2015年6月20日和2016年7月19的GF-2数据作为立体像对,其标称轨道侧摆角分别为0.00118°和20.4984°,以激光雷达数据获取的林下地形(DEM)和森林高度(CHM)为参考,对利用GF-2立体观测数据进行森林高度提取进行了研究。通过对立体处理得到的摄影测量点云的栅格化得到DSM,以激光雷达数据提供的DEM作为林下地形,得到了GF-2的CHM。结果表明GF-2提取的CHM与激光雷达CHM空间分布格局较为一致,两者之间存在明显的相关性,像素对像素的线性相关性(R2)达到0.51,均方根误差(RMSE)为3.6 m。研究结果表明,在林下地形已知的情况下,GF-2立体观测数据可用于森林高度估算。     

The effect of leaf-on and leaf-off forest canopy conditions on LiDAR derived estimations of forest structural diversity

Forest structural diversity metrics describing diversity in tree size and crown shape within forest stands can be used as indicators of biodiversity. These diversity metrics can be generated using airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) data to provide a rapid and cost effective alternative to ground-based inspection. Measures of tree height derived from LiDAR can be significantly affected by the canopy conditions at the time of data collection, in particular whether the canopy is under leaf-on or leaf-off conditions, but there have been no studies of the effects on structural diversity metrics. The aim of this research is to assess whether leaf-on/leaf-off changes in canopy conditions during LiDAR data collection affect the accuracy of calculated forest structural diversity metrics. We undertook a quantitative analysis of LiDAR ground detection and return height, and return height diversity from two airborne laser scanning surveys collected under leaf-on and leaf-off conditions to assess initial dataset differences. LiDAR data were then regressed against field-derived tree size diversity measurements using diversity metrics from each LiDAR dataset in isolation and, where appropriate, a mixture of the two. Models utilising leaf-off LiDAR diversity variables described DBH diversity, crown length diversity and crown width diversity more successfully than leaf-on (leaf-on models resulted in R² values of 0.66, 0.38 and 0.16, respectively, and leaf-off models 0.67, 0.37 and 0.23, respectively). When LiDAR datasets were combined into one model to describe tree height diversity and DBH diversity the models described 75% and 69% of the variance (R² of 0.75 for tree height diversity and 0.69 for DBH diversity). The results suggest that tree height diversity models derived from airborne LiDAR, collected (and where appropriate combined) under any seasonal conditions, can be used to differentiate between simple single and diverse multiple storey forest structure with confidence.     

Integration of hyperspectral and LiDAR data for mapping small water bodies

Inland water bodies are globally threatened by environmental degradation and climate change. On the other hand, new water bodies can be designed during landscape restoration (e.g. after coal mining). Effective management of new water resources requires continuous monitoring; in situ surveys are, however, extremely time-demanding. Remote sensing has been widely used for identifying water bodies. However, the use of optical imagery is constrained by accuracy problems related to the difficulty in distinguishing water features from other surfaces with low albedo, such as tree shadows. This is especially true when mapping water bodies of different sizes. To address these problems, we evaluated the potential of integrating hyperspectral data with LiDAR (hereinafter “integrative approach”). The study area consisted of several spoil heaps containing heterogeneous water bodies with a high variability of shape and size. We utilized object-based classification (Support Vector Machine) based on: (i) hyperspectral data; (ii) LiDAR variables; (iii) integration of both datasets. Besides, we classified hyperspectral data using pixel-based approaches (K-mean, spectral angle mapper). Individual approaches (hyperspectral data, LiDAR data and integrative approach) resulted in 2–22.4 % underestimation of the water surface area (i.e, omission error) and 0.4–1.5 % overestimation (i.e., commission error).The integrative approach yielded an improved discrimination of open water surface compared to other approaches (omission error of 2 % and commission error of 0.4 %). We also evaluated the success of detecting individual ponds; the integrative approach was the only one capable of detecting the water bodies with both omission and commission errors below 10 %. Finally, the assessment of misclassification reasons showed a successful elimination of shadows in the integrative approach. Our findings demonstrate that the integration of hyperspectral and LiDAR data can greatly improve the identification of small water bodies and can be applied in practice to support mapping of restoration process.     

Estimation and modelling of the local empirical covariance function using gravity and satellite altimeter data

The estimation of a local empirical covariance function from a set of observations was done in the Faeroe Islands region. Gravity and adjusted Seasat altimeter data relative to theGPM2 spherical harmonic approximation were selected holding one value in celles of1/8°×1/4° covering the area. In order to center the observations they were transformed into a locally best fitting reference system having a semimajor axis1.8 m smaller than the one ofGRS80. The variance of the data then was273 mgal ² and0.12 m ² respectively. In the calculations both the space domain method and the frequency domain method were used. Using the space domain method the auto-covariances for gravity anomalies and geoid heights and the cross-covariances between the quantities were estimated. Furthermore an empirical error estimate was derived. Using the frequency domain method the auto-covariances of gridded gravity anomalies was estimated. The gridding procedure was found to have a considerable smoothing effect, but a deconvolution made the results of the two methods to agree. The local covariance function model was represented by a Tscherning/Rapp degree-variance model,A/((i−1)(i−2)(i+24))(R _B /R _E )²ⁱ⁺², and the error degree-variances related to the potential coefficient setGPM2. This covariance function was adjusted to fit the empirical values using an iterative least squares inversion procedure adjusting the factor A, the depth to the Bjerhammar sphere(R _E −R _B ), and a scale factor associated with the error degree-variances. Three different combinations of the empirical covariance values were used. The scale factor was not well determined from the gravity anomaly covariance values, and the depth to the Bjerhammar sphere was not well determined from geoid height covariance values only. A combination of the two types of auto-covariance values resulted in a well determined model.     

Retrieving aboveground biomass of wetland Phragmites australis (common reed) using a combination of airborne discrete-return LiDAR and hyperspectral data

Wetland biomass is essential for monitoring the stability and productivity of wetland ecosystems. Conventional field methods to measure or estimate wetland biomass are accurate and reliable, but expensive, time consuming and labor intensive. This research explored the potential for estimating wetland reed biomass using a combination of airborne discrete-return Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and hyperspectral data. To derive the optimal predictor variables of reed biomass, a range of LiDAR and hyperspectral metrics at different spatial scales were regressed against the field-observed biomasses. The results showed that the LiDAR-derived H_p99 (99th percentile of the LiDAR height) and hyperspectral-calculated modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) were the best metrics for estimating reed biomass using the single regression model. Although the LiDAR data yielded a higher estimation accuracy compared to the hyperspectral data, the combination of LiDAR and hyperspectral data produced a more accurate prediction model for reed biomass (R² = 0.648, RMSE = 167.546 g/m², RMSE_r = 20.71%) than LiDAR data alone. Thus, combining LiDAR data with hyperspectral data has a great potential for improving the accuracy of aboveground biomass estimation.     

Estimation of forest leaf water content through inversion of a radiative transfer model from LiDAR and hyperspectral data

The accurate estimation of leaf water content (LWC) and knowledge about its spatial variation are important for forest and agricultural management since LWC provides key information for evaluating plant physiology. Hyperspectral data have been widely used to estimate LWC. However, the canopy reflectance can be affected by canopy structure, thereby introducing error to the retrieval of LWC from hyperspectral data alone. Radiative transfer models (RTM) provide a robust approach to combine LiDAR and hyperspectral data in order to address the confounding effects caused by the variation of canopy structure. In this study, the INFORM model was adjusted to retrieve LWC from airborne hyperspectral and LiDAR data. Two structural parameters (i.e. stem density and crown diameter) in the input of the INFORM model that affect canopy reflectance most were replaced by canopy cover which could be directly obtained from LiDAR data. The LiDAR-derived canopy cover was used to constrain in the inversion procedure to alleviate the ill-posed problem. The models were validated against field measurements obtained from 26 forest plots and then used to map LWC in the southern part of the Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany. The results show that with the introduction of prior information of canopy cover obtained from LiDAR data, LWC could be retrieved with a good accuracy (R² = 0.87, RMSE = 0.0022 g/cm², nRMSE = 0.13). The adjustment of the INFORM model facilitated the introduction of prior information over a large extent, as the estimation of canopy cover can be achieved from airborne LiDAR data.     

GLAS星载激光雷达和Landsat/ETM+数据的森林生物量估算

基于大脚印激光雷达数据和野外观测数据,该文提出一种获取脚印点内森林生物量的新思路,并结合陆地卫星数据应用于长白山地区森林地上生物量估算。首先,基于3种森林类型(针叶林、阔叶林和针阔混交林),采用多元逐步回归方法建立激光雷达波形指数与脚印点内实测平均树高的回归模型,估算全部脚印点内的平均树高;然后根据脚印点内样方的野外观测数据(平均树高和平均胸径)以及它们与样方生物量的拟合方程估算没有野外调查数据对应的脚印点的生物量;最后对3种森林类型的脚印点森林生物量在各森林覆盖度条件下进行分层分区统计得到生物量等级图。验证比较遥感估算的生物量与野外调查数据推算的生物量,总体误差在0~30(t·hm~(-2))之间,均方根误差为14.66(t·hm~(-2))。     

Assessment of surface water potential using morphometry and curve number-based approaches

Geomorphic and curve number-based run-off estimation approaches are proposed in this study for Olidih watershed, India. Cartosat Digital Elevation Model derived morphometry parameters were used for the computation of run-off. The observed and predicted run-off are uniformly scattered around 1:1 line and coefficient of correlation (R²) is found to be around 0.94 in case of NRCS-CN method. Run-off assessment computed using geomorphological parameters and NRCS-CN approach has improved with the introduction of rainfall correction factor. The improved R² from 0.3 to 0.86 in this case was attributed to rainfall correction factor computed based on the long-term rainfall average of the study area. Run-off assessment made using composite parameter approach shows R² values of 0.98 and 0.82 for different initial abstraction losses 0.2 and 0.3, respectively, and has indicated better prediction. Therefore, proposed morphometry-based approaches can be explored as an alternative for simulating the hydrological response of the watersheds.     

Airborne LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning Derived Vegetation Obstruction Factors for Visibility Models

Research presented here explores the feasibility of leveraging vegetation data derived from airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for visibility modeling. Using LiDAR and TLS datasets of a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) dominant ecosystem, tree canopy and trunk obstructions were isolated relevant to a discrete visibility beam in a short‐range line‐of‐sight model. Cumulative obstruction factors from vegetation were compared with reference visibility values from digital photographs along sightline paths. LiDAR‐derived tree factors were augmented with single‐scan TLS data for obstruction prediction. Good correlation between datasets was found up to 10 m from the terrestrial scanner, but fine scale visibility modeling was problematic at longer distances. Analysis of correlation and regression results reveal the influence of obstruction shadowing inherent to discrete LiDAR and TLS, potentially limiting the feasibility of modeling visibility over large areas with similar technology. However, the results support the potential for TLS‐derived subcanopy metrics for augmenting large amounts of aerial LiDAR data to significantly improve models of forest structure. Subtle LiDAR processing improvements, including more accurate tree delineation through higher point density aerial data, combined with better vegetation quantification processes for TLS data, will advance the feasibility and accuracy of data integration.