LiDAR-derived estimation of canopy cover density

Canopy cover is of high importance when it comes to assess forest attributes qualitatively and quantitatively. Despite the numerus merits of traditional methods, there are some dilemmas derived from them such as high cost and inaccuracy. Thanks to skyrocketing progress of remote sensing methods such as LiDAR, user can easily estimate the forest traits ranging from tree height to canopy cover. The remote sensed data are accessible, more accurate, timely diversified and exist in large areas.In the last years LiDAR has been in operational use in studies related to forestry. In this study, using LiDAR image which is related to an area located in Turkmenistan, the forest canopy cover density is calculated. After necessary correction on the LiDAR image, the process steps are mainly performed in ArcMap software and using its tools. The results show that this technology can efficiently and precisely estimate the density of canopy cover. The information is practical in various relative studies such as monitoring the spatial changes in a specified period. Besides, one can witness and analyze the deforestation or afforestation procedure and then make a decision based on the information.

Keywords:

LiDAR , Canopy cover , Forest , GIS , Remote Sensing