Estimating tree height and tree crown properties using airborne scanning laser in a boreal nature reserve

Tree height, the height from the ground surface to the tree crown, and the crown length as a proportion of tree height of individual trees were derived from various canopy height metrics measured by a small-footprint airborne laser scanner flown over a boreal forest reserve. The average spacing on the ground of the laser pulses ranged from 0.66 to 1.29 m. Ground-truth values were regressed against laser-derived canopy height metrics. The regressions explained 75%, 53%, and 51% of the variability in ground-truth tree height, height to the crown, and relative crown length, respectively. Cross-validation of the regressions revealed standard deviations of the differences between predicted and ground-truth values of 3.15 m (17.6%), 2.19 m (39.1%), and 10.48% (14.9% of ground-truth mean), respectively. On 10 plots with size 50 m2 in the boreal forest reserve and on 27 plots with size 200 m2 in a managed spruce forest, mean tree height, average height from the ground surface to the crown, and average relative crown length were regressed against laser canopy height metrics. The coefficients of determination (R2) ranged from .47 to .91. Cross-validation revealed a precision of 1.49 m (7.6%), 1.24–1.52 m (20.9–23.3%), and 6.32–7.11% (8.8–10.9% of ground-truth mean) for mean tree height, average height to the crown, and average relative crown length, respectively. At least, mean tree height can be determined more accurately from laser data than by current methods.