Expanding forest research with terrestrial LiDAR technology
Eduardo Eiji Maeda, Benjamin Brede, Kim Calders, Mathias Disney, Martin Herold, Emily R. Lines, Matheus Henrique Nunes, Pasi Raumonen, Miina Rautiainen, Ninni Saarinen, Iris Aalto, Yanjun Su, Jonathan Terschanski, Louise Terryn
Abstract
The three-dimensional arrangement of plant components, both within and among individual trees, is fundamental for characterizing forest ecosystems. This structure not only influences but also responds to environmental changes, playing a key role in regulating light regimes, forest productivity, as well as physiological and biophysical processes. Over the past few decades, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS, or terrestrial LiDAR) has provided a unique perspective of this 3D structure, offering new insights into ecological processes and forest disturbances, as well as enhancing structural assessments in forest and carbon inventories. Here, we examine recent advancements in TLS and its applications in forest science. We also explore how increasing computational power, alongside the rise of artificial intelligence, is empowering researchers to tackle more complex questions, paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding forest ecosystem dynamics in a changing world.