Modeling spatiotemporal patterns of understory light intensity using airborne laser scanner (LiDAR)

This study described a spatiotemporally explicit 3D raytrace model to provide spatiotemporal patterns of understory light (light intensity in the forest floor and along the vertical gradient). The model was built based on voxels derived from LiDAR and field investigation data, geographical information (elevation and location), and solar position (azimuth and altitude angles). We calculated the distance (L, in meters) traveled by solar ray in the crowns based on the model, and then calibrated and verified the light attenuation function using L based on Beer’s law. L and the ratio of below canopy light intensity to above canopy light intensity showed obviously exponential relationship, with R2 = 0.94 and P < 0.05. Estimated and observed understory light intensities were obviously positively correlated, with R2 = 0.92 and P < 0.01, and the estimated values were slightly lower than the observed values. The spatiotemporal patterns of the light intensity in the forest floor were mapped with the respect to the solar position, and these patterns represented the variations in the forest-shaded area. The spatial patterns of the light intensity along vertical gradient were also mapped, and they showed strong variations. We concluded that L could account for the complex patterns of understory light environment with respect to the geographical and solar position variations. The 3D raytrace model can be integrated with ecological or hydrological models to resolve several issues, such as plant succession and competition, soil evaporation, plant transpiration, and snowmelt in the forest.