A Thorough Accuracy Estimation of DTM Produced From Airborne Full-Waveform Laser Scanning Data of Unmanaged Eucalypt Plantations

摘要: A digital terrain model (DTM) is needed to extract forest variables. Its accuracy affects that of these variables, and thus it has be known. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) being increasingly used produce DTM. The potential full-waveform ALS (FWALS), however, for DTM production in areas not been thoroughly evaluated, particularly under adverse conditions heterogeneous stands, such as the typically extensively managed eucalypt plantations north-central Portugal studied here. In study area 900 ha, an exhaustive assessment FWALS-derived was carried out based on field survey 43 plots. each circular plots roughly 400 m2, coordinates were measured all trees prominent points using Global Navigation Satellite Systems receivers total station. addition, quality FWALS data assessed by surveying 1 m × grids three bare areas. measures are computed assuming normal nonnormal distributions differences between h values those control at same planimetric locations. While expected, around 3 cm, forested exceeds expectations. fact, 12 cm higher than obtained prior studies less Thus, current FWALS-based methodology derive appears highly suitable extracting