Light detection and ranging (lidar)

IGEP Investigators: V. Thomas, R. Wynne, and L. Abbott

We have a number of projects utilizing terrestrial, airborne, and satellite-based lidar, both analog and photon counting. Our primary research focus has been in the use of lidar to characterize forest 3-dimensional vegetation structure, as well as the detailed terrain beneath the forest canopy. We work on topics such as:

• lidar data processing algorithms
• individual tree detection and characterization
• prediction of forest inventory variables (height, basal area, stem density, above ground biomass, etc.)
• characterization of the light regime on below the canopy and its impacts on canopy carbon exchange
• relationships between canopy structure and physiology (see Data Fusion)
• microtopography to better delineate wetland features
• using lidar to parameterize 3-D radiative transfer models
• noise removal algorithms to prepare for ICESAT II photon counting lidar

We also offer a PhD-level class on Forestry Lidar Applications, where graduate students can get hands-on practice with the above topics.