Application of three-dimensional laser scanning system in forestry.

Three-dimensional laser scanning technique was introduced into forestry as a new forest survey technique for the first time,by which spatial coordinates of stumpage on the ground can be obtained.Firstly,the theory,performance,characteristics and operation of the three-dimensional laser scanning system were shown,and then the paper put emphasis upon the experiment in Xiaolong Mountain of Gansu Province.The point cloud data of each stumpage were obtained by the system and then were processed to build three-dimensional model using softwares.The factors of forest mensuration such as tree height,tree diameter at breast height and crown diameter may be directly measured in the model and the volumes can be calculated.The tree volume equation and non-standard volume table can be established by these obtained factors of forest mensuration.By comparison with the data of usual measuring method,the precision of factors of forest mensuration and tree volumes met the criteria of forest survey,and the stumpages can be non-destructively,effectively and accurately monitored with the system in sample plots.To sum up,the new means can be applied to forest resources inventory and develop standard volume table instead of traditional ways depending on lumber.