Calculation of Wood Volume and Stem Taper Using Terrestrial Single-Image Close-Range Photogrammetry and Contemporary Software Tools

A method of estimating trunk and branch volumes of single trees is presented that uses a combination of elementary fi eld measurements, terrestrial photography, image rectifi cation and on-screen digitising using commercial software packages and automated volume calculation. The method is applicable to a variety of different sized trees in situations where the trunks are clearly visible. Results for taper measurement and wood volume calculation are presented for Eucalyptus regnans F. von Muell., Sequoiadendron giganteum (Lindley) Buchholz and Quercus robur L. Branch allometrics are provided for E. regnans. The largest errors arose from fi eld observations. If the trees are asymmetrical in cross-section (e.g. due to irregular buttressing or forked stems), or if there is no vantage point perpendicular to the direction of lean, then photographs from more than one side are recommended. Accuracy and precision of geometric reproduction by the image rectifi cation process, and the volume calculation, were tested using mathematically generated tree components. The errors in the branch volumes of the virtual tree showed complex trends due to interacting factors. Volumes were underestimated by an average 0.5% for stems and 4% for branches. Due to the area defi cit resulting from non-circular cross-sections of the buttress, overestimation of stem volumes could be as high as 10% on average for mature trees. However, the area defi cit was known for E. regnans and incorporated into the volume calculation. The underestimation of volumes would help counteract overestimation due to the area defi cit. The application of this method to carbon accounting in forests and woodlands is explained.