Obscuration measurements of tree canopy structure using a 3D imaging ladar system

Richard W. Cannata; William Clifton; Steven Blask; Richard M. Marino

doi:10.1117/12.541694

13 September 2004 Obscuration measurements of tree canopy structure using a 3D imaging ladar system

Richard W. Cannata, William Clifton, Steven Blask, Richard M. Marino

Proceedings Volume 5412, Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.541694
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Recently-developed airborne imaging laser radar systems are capable of rapidly collecting accurate and precise spatial information for topographic characterization as well as surface imaging. However, the performance of airborne ladar (laser detection and ranging) collection systems often depends upon the density and distribution of tree canopy over the area of interest, which obscures the ground and objects close to the ground such as buildings or vehicles. Traditionally, estimates of canopy obscuration are made using ground-based methods, which are time-consuming, valid only for a small area and specific collection geometries when collecting data from an airborne platform. Since ladar systems are capable of collecting a spatially and temporally dense set of returns in 3D space, the return reflections can be used to differentiate and monitor the density of ground and tree canopy returns in order to measure, in near real-time, sensor performance for any arbitrary collection geometry or foliage density without relying on ground based measurements. Additionally, an agile airborne ladar collection system could utilize prior estimates of the degree and spatial distribution of the tree canopy for a given area in order to determine optimal geometries for future collections. In this paper, we report on methods to rapidly quantify the magnitude and distribution of the spatial structure of obscuring canopy for a series of airborne high-resolution imaging ladar collections in a mature, mixed deciduous forest.

Citation Download Citation

Richard W. Cannata, William Clifton, Steven Blask, and Richard M. Marino "Obscuration measurements of tree canopy structure using a 3D imaging ladar system", Proc. SPIE 5412, Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX, (13 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.541694

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available