Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Parker, Robert C.

Committee Member

Londo, Andrew J.

Committee Member

Evans, David L.

Committee Member

Jones, Jeanne C.

Date of Degree

5-5-2007

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Forestry

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

A three dimensional sampling technique was used to compare field understory conditions in Southeastern Louisiana using a laser range finder at three height levels (0.5m, 1.0m, and 1.5m) to LiDAR generated understory conditions to determine if a relationship existed. A similar comparison was made between densitometer crown closure measurements and understory LiDAR vegetation counts. A comparison between overstory LiDAR counts and understory LiDAR counts was also performed. LiDAR and understory counts exhibited a significant linear relationship but were poorly correlated at each sample level (Level-1 R2 = 0.34 ? 0.38, Level-2 R2 = 0.36 ? 0.43). The Level-3 LiDAR slope coefficient was non-significant. The crown closure versus understory linear model did not produce any significant results. The overstory LiDAR versus understory LiDAR model produced a moderate correlation (R2 = 0.5226) and was significant. The process of relating LiDAR points to understory conditions was not repeatable, even in the same geographic region.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/16183

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