A method for enhancing tree species proportions from aerial photos

Data on tree species richness of forests are needed for sustainable management. Photo interpreted data is a mainstay of forest inventories in Canada but is known to simplify the species composition of stands in accordance with the objective of providing stand descriptors. Species proportions estimated from aerial photos will often deviate significantly from ground based sample estimates. More tree species are usually found in the latter. To enhance photo-interpreted species proportions to better match ground observations this study proposes a cross-correlation memory matrix model as the most promising approach to a notoriously difficult problem. Ground and photo data from 246 stands in three sites in coastal BC were used for model estimation and validation. Enhanced photo-based tree species proportions were, in most stands, closer to the ground estimates than the raw estimates. Changes in species proportions due to enhancement appeared reasonable when considering the actual species mix and stand structure...

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