Project Code:	SUNFOR-01-064
Program:	FRIP
Sponsor:	Sundre Forest Products
Project Status:	Completed

Object & Deliverables

The project aim was to evaluate the accuracy of using LiDAR technology to predict stand height, stem density, and stand closure as an indicator of mountain pine beetle susceptible pine stands. It evaluated the efficiency of large scale photography to identify pine stands for harvest planning considerations. The project evaluates the assumption that LiDAR data can be useful in forest planning when interpreted and contribute to boundary delineation.

 

Final Report

The project completed a literature review of current research associated with modeling forest structure and the results of the review are included as an appendix to the progress report. Evaluation of the large-scale photography in comparison to LiDAR was completed through a workshop that included process experts. Field data was collected for use in the preliminary plot level analysis comparisons with LiDAR values for 69 plots.

The results demonstrate that LiDAR can be an effective technology for predicting stand height and to a lesser extent stand closure and stem density in complex stands. The results are further explained in various progress reports.

SUNFOR-01-064