| Mid-rotation loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., plantations (age 9–22 years) in eastern Mississippi and coastal Georgia, were sampled using both traditional field sampling and LIDAR in 1999. Traditional field measurements including height, stem density, and mean tree crown area were compared to interpolated, small-footprint LIDAR image measurements for statistical differences. Stepped focal filtering and thresholds were used to detect assumed treetops within the interpolated LIDAR data. Plot centers were determined and a buffer zone was established to correspond to field plot size. Maximum height values were extracted from LIDAR data within each buffer zone and compared to field data using paired t-tests. Results indicate that LIDAR technology can be used to estimate field-derived measurements of stem density and mean tree height using simple logical filtering methods. It is unknown whether this approach is economically viable. An economic assessment is required before implementation of these procedures into operational settings. |
