Measuring tree growth using terrestrial laser scanning

Forests are dynamic ecosystems that constantly changing. The most common natural reasons for change in forests the growth and death of trees, as well damage occurring to them. Tree appears an increment its structural dimensions, such stem diameter, height, crown volume, which all affect structure a tree. Repeated measurements tree characteristics enable observations respective increments indicating growth. According current knowledge, process follows priority theory, where trees aim achieve sufficient lightning conditions through primary growth, whereas diameter results from secondary is known have effect on carbon sequestration potential quality timber. To improve understanding underlying cause–effect relations driving methods quantify changes needed. use terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has emerged during recent decade effective tool determine attributes individual trees. However, capacity TLS point cloud-based measure remains unexplored. This thesis aimed at developing new boreal forest by utilizing two-date clouds. clouds were also used investigate how allocate their form develops, deepen processes under different over life cycle capability developed was examined five- nine-year monitoring period with two separate datasets consisting 1315 total. Study I demonstrated feasibility measuring forests. In studies II III, automated method further tested could detect clouds, detected representing 84.5% total basal area. general, statistically significant attributes, breast logwood periods. volume allocation seemed be more similar growing conditions. findings obtained this demonstrate capabilities repeatedly acquired characterizing showed can enhancing knowledge thus help discover forests, generate benefits ecological or silvicultural applications information