Developing a dual-wavelength full-waveform terrestrial laser scanner to characterise forest canopy structure

Danson, FM ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3984-0432, Gaulton, R, Armitage, RP ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7569-425X, Mathias, D, Gunawan, OT, Philip, L, Pearson, G and Ramirez, A 2014, 'Developing a dual-wavelength full-waveform terrestrial laser scanner to characterise forest canopy structure' , Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 198 , pp. 7-14.

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

The development of a dual-wavelength full-waveform terrestrial laser scanner to measure the three-dimensional structure of forest canopies is described, and field measurements used to evaluate and test the instrument measurement characteristics. The Salford Advanced Laser Canopy Analyser (SALCA) measures the full-waveform of backscattered radiation at two laser wavelengths, one in the near-infrared (1063 nm) and one in the shortwave infrared (1545 nm). The instrument is field-portable and measures up to nine million waveforms, at the two wavelengths, across a complete hemisphere above the instrument. SALCA was purpose-built to measure structural characteristics of forest canopies and this paper reports the first results of field-based data collection using the instrument. Characteristics of the waveforms, and waveform data processing are outlined, applications of dual wavelength measurements are evaluated, and field deployment of the instrument at a forest test site described. Preliminary instrument calibration results are presented and challenges in extracting useful information on forest structure are highlighted. Full-waveform multiple-wavelength terrestrial laser scanners are likely to provide more detailed and more accurate forest structural measurement in the future. This research demonstrates how SALCA provides a key step to develop, test and apply this new technology in a range of forest-related problems.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Terrestrial laser scanner; SALCA; forest canopy structure; full-waveform; dual-wavelength
Schools:	Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences > Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0168-1923
Related URLs:	Publication
Funders:	Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Depositing User:	S Rafiq
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2014 18:21
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2019 14:31
URI:	http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/32075

Actions (login required)

Edit record (repository staff only)