The influence of LiDAR pulse density on the precision of inventory metrics in young unthinned Douglas-fir stands during initial and subsequent LiDAR acquisitions

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Abstract
LiDAR is an established technology that is increasingly being used to characterise spatial variation in stand metrics used in forest inventory. As the cost of LiDAR acquisition markedly declines with LiDAR pulse density, it is useful to identify how far pulse density can be reduced without compromising the precision of relationships between LiDAR and stand metrics. Using plot measurements and LiDAR data obtained from highly stocked and unthinned Douglas-fir plantations (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco), the objective of this research was to characterise the precision of regressions between LiDAR metrics and stand metrics (mean top height, H m, volume, V and mean diameter, D) under a range of pulse densities using Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) representing two common scenarios. Under the first scenario, which represents an initial acquisition, the point cloud was sequentially culled and used for creation of a DTM and corresponding LiDAR cloud metrics. In the second scenario, which represents a subsequent acquisition, a DTM generated at high pulse density (10 pulses m−2) was used for the creation of the corresponding LIDAR cloud metrics.

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