A principal component approach for predicting the stem volume in Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil using airborne LiDAR data

Autor(es)

Silva, Carlos Alberto ; Klauberg, Carine ; Hudak, Andrew T. ; Vierling, Lee A. ; Liesenberg, Veraldo ; Carvalho, Samuel P. C. e ; Rodriguez, Luiz C. E.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: FORESTRY; v. 89, n. 4, p. 422-433, AUG 2016.
• Citações Web of Science: 15

Resumo

Improving management practices in industrial forest plantations may increase production efficiencies, thereby reducing pressures on native tropical forests for meeting global pulp needs. This study aims to predict stem volume (V) in plantations of fast-growing Eucalyptus hybrid clones located in southeast Brazil using field plot and airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. Forest inventory attributes and LiDAR-derived metrics were calculated at 108 sample plots. The best LiDAR-based predictors of V were identified based on loadings calculated from a principal component analysis (PCA). After selecting these best predictors using PCA, we developed multiple regression models predicting V from selected LiDAR metrics. Metrics related to tree height and canopy depth were most effective for V prediction, with an overall model coefficient of determination (adj. R-2) of 0.87, and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 27.60 m(3) ha(-1) (i.e. relative RMSE = 9.99 per cent). We used this model to map stem V of Eucalyptus hybrid clones across the full LiDAR data extent. The accuracy and precision of our results show that LiDAR-derived V is appropriate for updating Eucalyptus forest base maps and registries in the paper and pulp supply chain. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate and compare the cost of acquisition and processing of LiDAR data against conventional V inventory in this system. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 12/03176-0 - O uso do sensoriamento remoto por meio da tecnologia aerotransportada laser (ALS) e de imagens aéreas de alta resolução multiespectral para obtenção do estoque de carbono na biomassa arbórea em povoamentos de Eucalyptus spp
• Beneficiário: Carlos Alberto Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Mestrado
• Processo FAPESP: 13/05081-9 - Caracterização de estádios sucessionais em distintos ambientes de floresta tropical sob a recente perspectiva REDD+: um experimento com múltiplos dados de sensoriamento remoto
• Beneficiário: Veraldo Liesenberg
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado