Developing a LiDAR-based timber cruising model for the Canadian forest sector

新喀里多尼亚学院和Silvatech咨询有限公司正在合作开展一项应用研究项目，研究和开发林分清查过程，该过程使用光探测和测距（激光雷达）数据和数字图像对林分水平木材量进行准确和精确的估计。Silvatech在这一领域进行了14年的研究和开发，目标是开发一种创新服务，利用精确的遥感技术预测林分物种组成、密度和体积。该项目将在CNC研究森林进行，这是一个12,500公顷的森林研究和教学设施，位于不列颠哥伦比亚省乔治王子附近。学院自然资源与环境技术专业的学生将协助建立研究样地，以验证基于激光雷达的模型。该项目将为加拿大的遥感和森林管理部门带来一项重要的创新。森林公司将受益于这项技术，因为它拥有精确的林分量模型；这些模型将降低规划成本，改善木材采伐的商业决策。广泛采用这项新服务可以为加拿大森林的可持续和创新管理增加大量价值。

The College of New Caledonia and Silvatech Consulting Ltd. are collaborating on an applied research project to research and develop a forest stand inventory process that uses light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and digital imagery to produce accurate and precise estimates of stand-level timber volumes. Silvatech has conducted research and development in this area for 14 years, with the objective of developing an innovative service that uses accurate remote sensing technologies to predict forest stand species composition, density and volumes. The project will occur on the CNC Research Forest, a 12,500-hectare forest research and teaching facility located near Prince George, British Columbia. Students in the College's Natural Resources and Environmental Technology program will assist with establishing research sample plots to verify LiDAR-based models. This project will introduce an important innovation to the remote sensing and forest management sectors in Canada. Forest companies will benefit from this technology by having precise models of forest stand volumes; these models will reduce planning costs and improve business decisions around timber harvesting. Widespread adoption of this new service could add substantial value to the sustainable and innovative management of Canada's forests.