Estimation of tree crown structure in urban areas using high resolution airborne LiDAR

A method for estimating three-dimensional tree crown structure using airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) in urban areas is presented. This latest high resolution airborne LiDAR observation system was used to acquire information on small trees distributing in urban areas. The voxel-based method was applied to estimate the density distribution of tree crowns. Three types of numerical values that indicated the density of a voxel were calculated using airborne LiDAR data. Then, the values were compared with the number of points in for each voxel calculated from terrestrial LiDAR data. The results show that the airborne derived estimation matched the distribution and density of leaves and branches obtained by the terrestrial LiDAR.