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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (6): 82-95.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20250578

• Research papers • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Comparative Analysis of Individual Tree Parameter Extraction Accuracy Using Integrated Data Collected by Airborne and Handheld LiDAR in Subtropical Typical Forests

Yunhe Li1,2,Sirong Wang3,Yisa Li1,2,Dengsheng Lu1,2,*()   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117
    2. Institute of Geography, Fujian Normal University Fuzhou 350117
    3. Fujian Provincial Baisha State-Owned Forest Farm Longyan 364200
  • Received:2025-09-19 Revised:2026-03-22 Online:2026-06-10 Published:2026-06-13
  • Contact: Dengsheng Lu E-mail:ludengsheng@fjnu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Objective: This study aims to explore the advantages of integrating data collected by handheld laser scanning (HLS) and airborne laser scanning (ALS) for individual tree parameter extraction and to assess their applicability under different forest types and understory conditions, so as to provide a scientific basis for the application of multi-source LiDAR data in precise forest surveys. Method: Three typical areas in the subtropical Fujian Province were targeted, and the HLS and ALS data were used to accurately segment individual trees in plots through a combination of automatic segmentation and visual interpretation. Individual tree parameters were extracted, and the performance of both data in estimating individual tree volume was evaluated. The influence of forest types and stand complexity on the results of individual tree parameter extraction was examined. Result: 1) The relative root mean square errors (rRMSE) for extracting diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height from the integrated HLS and ALS data were 5.72%–5.84% and 7.36%–7.83%, respectively, and the tree-height rRMSE was reduced by 3.29%–4.19% compared with HLS alone. 2) Based on the integrated LiDAR data, Cunninghamia lanceolata was able to obtain high-precision individual tree diameter at breast height under different understory vegetation conditions, with an rRMSE of 7.05%, but Pinus massoniana was able to was able to only have good results under simple understory conditions, while broadleaf forests had high uncertainty in different understory conditions. 3) The rRMSE of single wood volume calculated based on the extracted DBH and tree height was 16.11%–17.18%. Comparing the results from HLS data alone, rRMSE of single wood volume with the integrated HLS and ALS data was reduced by 4.21%–4.30%. Conclusion: The accuracy of estimating individual tree parameters by using fused ALS and HLS data is influenced by forest types and understory conditions. The evaluation of the accuracy of individual tree parameter extraction in different scenarios provides theoretical support for optimizing future field surveys with LiDAR.

Key words: individual tree parameters, felled tree, handheld laser scanner, airborne LiDAR, forestry remote sensing

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