Area-based parameterization of forest structure using full-waveform airborne laser scanning data

Small-footprint airborne laser scanning (ALS) is ncreasingly used in vegetation and forest related applications. This paper explores the potential of full-waveform (FWF) ALS information (i.e. echo width and backscatter cross section) for tree species classification and forest structure parameterization. In order to obtain defined physical quantities, radiometric calibration of the recorded FWF data is performed by using a natural radiometric reference target (asphalt road). Based on a segmentation of the canopy surface, descriptive statistical values of laser echo attributes are derived and attached to the segment polygons, which represent large crown parts or even single trees. We found that average…