Automatic Assessment of Individual Stem Shape Parameters in Forest Stands from TLS Point Clouds: Application in Pinus pinaster

Tree morphological characteristics, particularly straightness and lean, significantly influence the value of commercial products that can be obtained. Despite this, they are not usually evaluated in timber field inventories because traditional techniques labor-intensive largely subjective, hence use these parameters is limited to research genetic breeding programs. Here, a non-destructive, fully automated methodology presented estimates for describing lean using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data. It based on splitting stems into evenly spaced sections estimating their centers, which then used automatically calculate maximum sagitta, sinuosity, each tree. The was applied trial plot Pinus pinaster, results obtained were compared with measurements visual classification. robust errors estimation section basis calculating shape parameters. Besides, its accuracy compares favorably techniques, often involve problems misclassification. new easy use, less expensive, overcomes drawbacks obtaining measurements. modified apply any species stand typology.