Tree Height Growth Modelling Using LiDAR-Derived Topography Information
Open Access
- 19 June 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information
- Vol. 10 (6), 419
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi10060419
Abstract
The concepts of ecotopes and forest sites are used to describe the correlative complexes defined by landform, vegetation structure, forest stand characteristics and the relationship between soil and physiography. Physically heterogeneous landscapes such as karst, which is characterized by abundant sinkholes and outcrops, exhibit diverse microtopography. Understanding the variation in the growth of trees in a heterogeneous topography is important for sustainable forest management. An R script for detailed stem analysis was used to reconstruct the height growth histories of individual trees (steam analysis). The results of this study reveal that the topographic factors influencing the height growth of silver fir trees can be detected within forest stands. Using topography modelling, we classified silver fir trees into groups with significant differences in height growth. This study provides a sound basis for the comparison of forest site differences and may be useful in the calibration of models for various tree species.Keywords
Funding Information
- Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS (P4-0059)
- LIFE Project ManFor CBD (LIFE 09 ENV/IT/000078)
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