Evaluating Prospects for Improved Forest Parameter Retrieval From Satellite LiDAR Using a Physically-Based Radiative Transfer Model

A space-based full-waveform LiDAR system, optimised for vegetation analysis, offers the opportunity for global biophysical parameter retrieval of the world´s forests. However the conditions under which signals from the ground and vegetation can be detected will vary as a result of sensor specifications, vegetation characteristics and underlying surface properties. This paper demonstrates the utility of a ray tracing radiative transfer model for assessing sensitivity to site-specific conditions (e.g., topography, canopy and ground reflectance) that will improve our ability to estimate structural parameters in forest ecosystems.