The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation: High-resolution laser ranging of the Earth’s forests and topography

Obtaining accurate and widespread measurements of the vertical structure of the Earth’s forests has been a long-sought goal for the ecological community. Such observations are critical for accurately assessing the existing biomass of forests, and how changes in this biomass caused by human activities or variations in climate may impact atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Additionally, the three-dimensional structure of forests is a key component of habitat quality and biodiversity at local to regional scales. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) was launched to the International Space Station in late 2018 to provide high-quality measurements of forest vertical structure in temperate and tropical…

• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Awards: 15AA03C, NNL 15AA03C
• UO
  University of Maryland
• DZ
  Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt