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Dense Canopy Height Model from a low-cost photogrammetric platform and LiDAR data

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Abstract

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Low-cost methodology to obtain CHMs integrating terrain data from LiDAR into photogrammetric point clouds with greater spatial, radiometric and temporal resolution due to a correction model.

Abstract

This study focuses on developing a methodology to generate a Dense Canopy Height Model based on the registration of point clouds from LiDAR open data and the photogrammetric output from a low-cost flight. To minimise georeferencing errors from dataset registration, terrain data from LiDAR were refined to be included in the photogrammetric point cloud through a correction model supported by a statistical analysis of heights. As a result, a fusion point cloud was obtained, which applies LiDAR to characterize the terrain in areas with high vegetation and utilizes the greater spatial, radiometric and temporal resolution of photogrammetry. The obtained results have been successfully validated: the accuracy of the fusion cloud is statistically consistent with the accuracies of both clouds based on the principles of classical photogrammetry and LiDAR processing. The resulting point cloud, through a radiometric and geometric segmentation process, allows a Dense Canopy Height Model to be obtained.

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Notes

  1. Rodal method: methods applied to a surface with similar arboreal characteristics.

  2. Individual-tree methods: methods applied differentially to each tree.

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Acknowledgments

This research arose as a pilot project in collaboration with the Public Land and Natural Spaces Service, belonging to the Peripheral Services of the Agricultural Commission of the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha; the Institute for Development of the University of Castilla-La Mancha; the Forestry and Natural Spaces Service; the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development Department of the Castilla-La Mancha Regional Government; and the USAL research group Geomatic Technologies for the 3D digitalisation and modelling of complex objects (TIDOP).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003, Ávila, Spain

    Mónica Herrero-Huerta, Pablo Rodríguez-Gonzálvez & Diego González-Aguilera

  2. Forestry and Natural Spaces Service, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development Department, Castilla-La Mancha Regional Government, C/Mayor 46, 02001, Albacete, Spain

    Beatriz Felipe-García

  3. Institute for Regional Development (IDR), University of Castilla La Mancha, 02071, Albacete, Spain

    Soledad Belmar-Lizarán & David Hernández-López

Authors
  1. Mónica Herrero-Huerta
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  2. Beatriz Felipe-García
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  3. Soledad Belmar-Lizarán
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  4. David Hernández-López
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  5. Pablo Rodríguez-Gonzálvez
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Correspondence to Mónica Herrero-Huerta.

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Communicated by E. Priesack.

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Herrero-Huerta, M., Felipe-García, B., Belmar-Lizarán, S. et al. Dense Canopy Height Model from a low-cost photogrammetric platform and LiDAR data. Trees 30, 1287–1301 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-016-1366-9

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