| A three dimensional sampling technique was used to compare field understory conditions in Southeastern Louisiana using a laser range finder at three height levels (0.5m, 1.0m, and 1.5m) to LiDAR generated understory conditions to determine if a relationship existed. A similar comparison was made between densitometer crown closure measurements and understory LiDAR vegetation counts. A comparison between overstory LiDAR counts and understory LiDAR counts was also performed.; LiDAR and understory counts exhibited a significant linear relationship but were poorly correlated at each sample level (Level-1 R2 = 0.34 - 0.38, Level-2 R2 = 0.36 - 0.43). The Level-3 LiDAR slope coefficient was non-significant. The crown closure versus understory linear model did not produce any significant results. The overstory LiDAR versus understory LiDAR model produced a moderate correlation (R2 = 0.5226) and was significant. The process of relating LiDAR points to understory conditions was not repeatable, even in the same geographic region.; Key words. LiDAR, understory, density, GIS, sampling techniques. |
