Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanning for Ecosystem and Fire Effects Monitoring

Abstract

Long-term ecosystem monitoring documents land management actions and progress towards objectives through repeated observation and measurement. Traditional monitoring methods have evolved for specific applications across ecological disciplines and are often limited by data quality and repeatability. This report presents terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) as a sampling method that can complement and enhance existing monitoring methods. TLS captures in high resolution the 3D structure of a terrestrial ecosystem and, when integrated into monitoring, can standardize data collection, improve efficiency, and reduce bias and error. Streamlined data processing can rigorously analyze TLS data and incorporate constant improvements. The approach described in this report utilizes portable, push-button TLS equipment that, when calibrated with initial transect sampling, captures detailed forestry, fuels, and ecological features in <5 minutes per plot. We introduce an interagency automated processing pipeline and dashboard viewer for instant analysis and retrieval of hundreds of metrics. TLS metrics produced with these methods offer effective decision support for managers to quantify landscape-scale conditions. With continued improvement of scanner capabilities and affordability, these data will shape the future of terrestrial ecosystem monitoring and support natural resource managers in addressing the increasingly fast pace of ecological change.

Citation

Murphy M.C.; Loudermilk E.L.; Pokswinski S.; Williams B.; Link E. Lienesch L.; Douglas L.; Skowronski N.; Gallagher M.; Maxwell A.; Snitker G.; Hawley C.; Wallace D.; Payne I.; Yurkiewecz T.; Sanchez Meador A.J.; Anderson C.; Jackson J.M.; Parsons R.; Floca M.; Nealey I.; Altintas I.; Hiers J.K.; Wallace J. 2024. Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanning for Ecosystem and Fire Effects Monitoring. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-277. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 19 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/SRS-GTR-277.