Three-dimensional canopy fuel loading predicted using upward and downward sensing LiDAR systems

Nicholas Skowronski; Ken Clark; Matthew Duveneck; John Hom

doi:10.1016/j.rse.2010.10.012

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Three-dimensional canopy fuel loading predicted using upward and downward sensing LiDAR systems

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Nicholas Skowronski, Ken Clark, Matthew Duveneck, John Hom

Year:

2011

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2010.10.012

Source:

Remote Sensing of Environment. 115: 703-714.

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Abstract

We calibrated upward sensing profiling and downward sensing scanning LiDAR systems to estimates of canopy fuel loading developed from field plots and allometric equations, and then used the LiDAR datasets to predict canopy bulk density (CBD) and crown fuel weight (CFW) in wildfire prone stands in the New Jersey Pinelands. LiDAR-derived height profiles were also generated in 1-m layers, and regressed on CBD estimates calculated for 1-m layers from field plots to predict three-dimensional canopy fuel loading. We then produced maps of canopy fuel metrics for three 9 km2 forested areas in the Pinelands.

Keywords

canopy bulk density, fuel loading, wildfire, LiDAR, fuel maps, New Jersey Pinelands

Citation

Skowronski, Nicholas S.; Clark, Kenneth L.; Duveneck, Matthew; Hom, John. 2011. Three-dimensional canopy fuel loading predicted using upward and downward sensing LiDAR systems. Remote Sensing of Environment. 115: 703-714.