habtools: An R package to calculate 3D metrics for surfaces and objects

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 7, 2025

Abstract Technological advances in three imaging techniques have opened the door to advanced morphological analyses and habitat mapping for biologists ecologists. At same time, challenge of translating complex 3D data into meaningful metrics that can be used conjunction with biological currently hinders progress accessibility. We introduce habtools , an R package provides functions efficiently calculate complexity shape from DEMs, meshes 2D shapes as well some helper facilitate workflow. expect functionality continue expand new faster methods become available, we welcome contributions ideas.

Language: Английский

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Neighborhood competition modulates the link between crown structure and tree ring variability in monospecific and mixed forest stands

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 560, P. 121839 - 121839

Published: March 21, 2024

3D crown shape and tree ring development are autobiographies of the growth conditions. With advancements in terrestrial laser scanning, modeling from structure offers insights into trees' structural functional responses a non-destructive repetitive way. However, how trees different growing conditions respond manifest their rings remains unexplored, which would help to better explain tree-level dynamics forest management. To enhance this understanding, we tested set hypotheses: (HI) that (CS) (width) patterns (TRP) correlated across or stands like monospecific, provenances trials, mixed stands; (HII) stand types influence CS-TRP link; (HⅢ) local neighborhood competition (LNC) modulates link. (HⅣ) crowns conditions; therefore, structures can be used predict growth. We assessed these hypotheses by employing scanning-based dendrochronology-based width Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) pure (unthinned thinned), trial, mixed-species trial (with European Beech, Fagus sylvatica [L.]) covering large-scale gradient. first show TRP metrics differed significantly forests (p<0.05) but were (p<0.05). Neighborhood among influences link between rings. Pathway-based analyses revealed indirectly variability modifying (p<0.05), suggesting mostly manifested shapes, leading shape-based low-error predictions (0.44 mm) types. incorporating legacy information (competition over last 30 years) model slightly improved prediction performance (error reduced 0.41 mm), further explaining likely loses due it faces species with is growing). This study reveals structurally mechanized rings, providing crucial

Language: Английский

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Evaluation of mobile laser scanning acquisition scenarios for automated wood volume estimation in a temperate hardwood forest using quantitative structural models

Canadian Journal of Forest Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 54(7), P. 774 - 792

Published: Feb. 26, 2024

This study explores how data from a handheld mobile laser scanning (MLS) system and quantitative structural models (QSM) can be used to estimate tree attributes. Four MLS acquisition scenarios were investigated in 1 ha temperate hardwood stand, including 15 35 m parallel lines, nine circular plots, 20 × grid. Results compared against terrestrial destructive field measurements. All yielded comparable results, except for the scenario, which showed greater variability. The grid scenario highest accuracy, with an RMSE of 0.41 (2.07%) height, 3.98 cm (14.93%) diameter at breast 0.21 m³ (19.28%) merchantable wood volume, 0.07 (10.11%) stem volume. A bias < 5% was observed these key attributes, 11.68% Overestimation branch volume identified as primary source related highlights MLS’s potential accurate, non-destructive estimation while pointing out need refine noise removal assess most suitable various forest types.

Language: Английский

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New tree height allometries derived from terrestrial laser scanning reveal substantial discrepancies with forest inventory methods in tropical rainforests

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(8)

Published: Aug. 1, 2024

Abstract Tree allometric models, essential for monitoring and predicting terrestrial carbon stocks, are traditionally built on global databases with forest inventory measurements of stem diameter (D) tree height (H). However, these often combine H obtained through various measurement methods, each distinct error patterns, affecting the resulting H:D allometries. In recent decades, laser scanning (TLS) has emerged as a widely accepted method accurate, non‐destructive structural measurements. This study used TLS data to evaluate prediction accuracy inventory‐based allometries develop more accurate pantropical We considered 19 tropical rainforest plots across four continents. Eleven had RIEGL VZ‐400(i) TLS‐based D data, allowing assessment local Additionally, from 1951 trees all were create new rainforests. Our findings reveal that in most plots, underestimated compared For 30‐metre‐tall trees, underestimations varied −1.6 m (−5.3%) −7.5 (−25.4%). Malaysian plot reaching up 77 height, underestimation was much −31.7 (−41.3%). propose allometry, incorporating maximum climatological water deficit site effects, mean uncertainty 19.1% bias −4.8%. While is roughly 2.3% greater than Chave2014 model, this model demonstrates consistent uncertainties size delivers less biased estimates (with reduction 8.23%). summary, recognizing errors methods vital, they can propagate into inform. underscores potential rainforests, refining

Language: Английский

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Light competition affects how tree growth and survival respond to climate

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

Abstract Competition between individuals is a key process that drives tree growth and survival in forests. Ecological theories predict the effect of competition should be weaker stressful environments. However, quantitative studies have failed to reach consensus on direction interaction climate competition. In this study, we demonstrate appears clearly when explicitly focus light We analysed along both temperature aridity gradients for 33 major European species. collected forest inventories from nine countries, encompassing over 1 million trees Spain Scandinavia. used species‐specific crown allometric equations connect extensive database SamsaraLight ray tracing model calculate tree‐based index intercepted by crown. Within given species' climatic niche, decreased towards dry cold margins, supporting stress gradient hypothesis. Climate mainly affected light, with slower drier or colder conditions. contrast, survival, shade, better margins. Among species, mean sensitivity increasing niche shade tolerance Synthesis. Our study emphasises importance considering interactions survival. The impact change an individual likely depend its status within stand, as well tolerance.

Language: Английский

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Advancing the measurement of forest vegetation structural traits using terrestrial laser scanning

Elsevier eBooks, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 179 - 204

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Allometric equations underestimate woody volumes of large solitary trees outside forests

Urban forestry & urban greening, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 128839 - 128839

Published: April 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Leaf‐wood classification of terrestrial laser scanning data with co‐registered near‐infrared photography

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 20, 2025

Abstract Due to their importance for climate change monitoring, modelling and adaptation, vegetation structural properties including leaf area index (LAI) are designated essential variables (ECVs) by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), which rapidly acquires millions of three‐dimensional point measurements representing physical environment, is an increasingly popular method estimating these ECVs. To assess LAI from TLS data collected during leaf‐on conditions, a fundamental requirement classification points as either leaves or wood. Existing intensity‐based leaf‐wood methods confounded natural variability in reflectance wood, bidirectional effects need complex radiometric calibration, whilst geometric require high density known misclassify small branches twigs. A novel approach presented that avoids issues exploiting spectral transmittance which, at near‐infrared wavelengths, demonstrate much larger differences than reflectance. The relies on images co‐registered camera integrated with instrument can be directly applied whole cloud without segmentation. technique estimation wood (WAI) deciduous broadleaf forest site, results benchmarked against reference values derived leaf‐off scans. Leaf‐on estimates WAI demonstrated bias (RMSD ≤0.46, ≤0.17) but were not significantly different site level. provide evidence efficacy approach, its use has potential reduce uncertainty ECVs critical adaptation.

Language: Английский

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Localised damage patterns to oak during severe UK storms in winter 2021

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 562, P. 121942 - 121942

Published: May 8, 2024

There has been a recent (< 20 years) increase in the recurrence of windstorm disturbances European forests, likely due to accelerating anthropogenic climate change. Across Europe, there remains paucity studies documenting storm damage trees at local scale. In aftermath two successive 2021 UK winter storms, named Arwen and Barra, census native oak (Quercus robur Quercus petraea) was carried out across three sites North East England, Great Britain; region that suffered some highest windspeeds both storms. Native significant losses, particular notable veteran specimens. This is great concern, given species' ecological cultural significance. A total 79 damaged were recorded all ∼ 80 ha study sites. Crown most documented type present 59.5% surveyed trees, followed by windsnap, 22.8%, windthrow, 17.7%. Bark defects frequently encountered point pre-existing structural weakness, making up 48.3% reported weak forks, 40%, prune wounds, 11.7%. Our findings inform our understanding impacts further highlight clear dose/response relationship, whereby storms greater magnitude caused scale damage. However, several marked differences between those Storm 1987 (the comparable terms damage). Perhaps difference an open parkland or hedgerow setting appeared less damaged, severity. characterises stresses importance observations scale, facilitate improved modelling future events forest management.

Language: Английский

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Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Non-Destructive Estimation of Aboveground Biomass in Short-Rotation Poplar Coppices

Remote Sensing, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(7), P. 1942 - 1942

Published: April 5, 2023

Poplar plantations in high-density and short-rotation coppices (SRC) are a suitable way for the fast production of wood that can be transformed into bioproducts or bioenergy. Optimal management these requires accurate assessment total standing biomass. However, traditional field inventory is challenging task, given existence multiple shoots, difficulty identifying terminal extreme high density. As an alternative, this work, we propose to develop individual stool plot biomass models using metrics derived from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) as predictors. To aim, used data SRC poplar plantation, including nine plots 154 stools. Every was scanned different positions, stools were felled, weighed, dried compute aboveground (AGB). Individual segmented cloud point, TLS at level following processes bounding box, slicing, voxelization. These then used, either alone combined with field-measured metrics, fit models. Our results indicate individual-stool level, combining easy measure (stool diameter) perform similarly allometric based on inventories, while scales, TLS-derived show superiority over proposed methodology permits non-destructive estimates fixed plantations.

Language: Английский

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