A Region-Based Hierarchical Cross-Section Analysis for Individual Tree Crown Delineation Using ALS Data

摘要: In recent years, airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) that provided three-dimensional forest information has been widely applied in inventory shown great potential automatic individual tree crown delineation (ITCD). Usually, ITCD algorithms include treetop detection boundary procedures. this study, we proposed a novel method called region-based hierarchical cross-section analysis (RHCSA), which combined the two procedures together based on canopy height model (CHM) derived from LiDAR data for ITCD. This considers CHM as topological surface, simulates stereoscopic scanning top to bottom using an iterative process, utilizes vertical structure of crowns progressively detect treetops delineate boundaries. The was tested natural stands with high densities Liangshui National Nature Reserve Maoershan Forest Farm, Heilongjiang Province, China. Its performance evaluated by accuracy procedure considered both relative position overlapped area crowns. average overall achieved 85.12% coniferous plots, 83.86% deciduous plots 86.44% broad-leaved mixed plots. results revealed RHCSA can little influence types size. It could provide technical support coniferous, forests densities.