Title: Three-dimensional canopy fuel loading predicted using upward and downward sensing LiDAR systems

Author: Skowronski, Nicholas S.; Clark, Kenneth L.; Duveneck, Matthew; Hom, John.

Year: 2011

Publication: Remote Sensing of Environment. 115: 703-714.

Abstract: We calibrated upward sensing profiling and downward sensing scanning LiDAR systems to estimates of canopy fuel loading developed from field plots and allometric equations, and then used the LiDAR datasets to predict canopy bulk density (CBD) and crown fuel weight (CFW) in wildfire prone stands in the New Jersey Pinelands. LiDAR-derived height profiles were also generated in 1-m layers, and regressed on CBD estimates calculated for 1-m layers from field plots to predict three-dimensional canopy fuel loading. We then produced maps of canopy fuel metrics for three 9 km2 forested areas in the Pinelands.