Airborne laser scanning of natural forests in New Zealand reveals the influences of wind on forest carbon

Background： Forests are a key component of the global carbon cycle, and research is needed into the effects of human-driven and natural processes on their carbon pools. Airborne laser scanning （ALS） produces detailed 3D maps of forest canopy structure from which aboveground carbon density can be estimated. Working with a ALS dataset collected over the 8049-km2 Wellington Region of New Zealand we create maps of indigenous forest carbon and evaluate the influence of wind by examining how carbon storage varies with aspect. Storms flowing from the west are a common cause of disturbance in this region, and we hypothesised that west-facing forests exposed to these winds would be shorter than those in sheltered east-facing sites. Methods： The aboveground carbon density of 31 forest inventory plots located within the ALS survey region were used to develop estimation models relating carbon density to ALS information. Power-law models using rasters of top-of-the-canopy height were compared with models using tree-level information extracted from the ALS dataset. A forest carbon map with spatial resolution of 25 m was generated from ALS maps of forest height and the estimation models. The map was used to evaluate the influences of wind on forests. Results： Power-law models were slightly less accurate than tree-centric models （RMSE 35% vs 32%） but were selected for map generation for computational efficiency. The carbon map comprised 4.5 million natural forest pixels within which canopy height had been measured by ALS, providing an unprecedented dataset with which to examine drivers of carbon density. Forests facing in the direction of westerly storms stored less carbon, as hypothesised. They had much greater above-ground carbon density for a given height than any of 14 tropical forests previously analysed by the same approach, and had exceptionally high basal areas for their height. We speculate that strong winds have kept forests short without impeding basal area growth. Conclusion： Simple estimation models based on top-of-the canopy height are almost as accurate as state-of-the-art tree-centric approaches, which require more computing power. High-resolution carbon maps produced by ALS provide powerful datasets for evaluating the environmental drivers of forest structure, such as wind.

Mapping tree canopies in urban environments using airborne laser scanning (ALS):a Vancouver case study

Background: The distribution of forest vegetation within urban environments is critically important as it influences urban environmental conditions and the energy exchange through the absorption of solar radiation and modulation of evapotranspiration. It also plays an important role filtering urban water systems and reducing storm water runoff.Methods: We investigate the capacity of ALS data to individually detect, map and characterize large(taller than15 m) trees within the City of Vancouver. Large trees are critical for the function and character of Vancouver’s urban forest. We used an object-based approach for individual tree detection and segmentation to determine tree locations(position of the stem), to delineate the shape of the crowns and to categorize the latter either as coniferous or deciduous.Results: Results indicate a detection rate of 76.6% for trees > 15 m with a positioning error of 2.11 m(stem location). Extracted tree heights possessed a RMSE of 2.60 m and a bias of-1.87 m, whereas crown diameter was derived with a RMSE of 3.85 m and a bias of-2.06 m. Missed trees are principally a result of undetected treetops occurring in dense, overlapping canopies with more accurate detection and delineation of trees in open areas.Conclusion: By identifying key structural trees across Vancouver’s urban forests, we can better understand their role in providing ecosystem goods and services for city residents.

Automated tree detection and crown delineation using airborne laser scanner data in heterogeneous East-Central Europe forest with different species mix

Identifying tree locations is a basic step in the derivation of other tree parameters using remote sensing techniques, particularly when using airborne laser scanning. There are several techniques for identifying tree positions. In this paper, we present a raster-based method for determining tree position and delineating crown coverage. We collected data from nine research plots that supported different mixes of species. We applied a raster-based method to raster layers with six different spatial resolutions and used terrestrial measurement data as reference data. Tree identification at a spatial resolution of 1.5 m was demonstrated to be the most accurate, with an average identification ratio (IR) of 95% and average detection ratio of 68% being observed. At a higher spatial resolution of 0.5 m, IR was overestimated by more than 600%. At a lower spatial resolution of 3 m, IR was underestimated at less than 44% of terrestrial measurements. The inventory process was timed to enable evaluation of the time efficiency of automatic methods.

Landslide data mosaicking based on an airborne laser point cloud and multi-beam sonar images

Landslides are one of the most disastrous geological hazards in southwestern China.Once a landslide becomes unstable,it threatens the lives and safety of local residents.However,empirical studies on landslides have predominantly focused on landslides that occur on land.To this end,we aim to investigate ashore and underwater landslide data synchronously.This study proposes an optimized mosaicking method for ashore and underwater landslide data.This method fuses an airborne laser point cloud with multi-beam depth sounder images.Owing to their relatively high efficiency and large coverage area,airborne laser measurement systems are suitable for emergency investigations of landslides.Based on the airborne laser point cloud,the traversal of the point with the lowest elevation value in the point set can be used to perform rapid extraction of the crude channel boundaries.Further meticulous extraction of the channel boundaries is then implemented using the probability mean value optimization method.In addition,synthesis of the integrated ashore and underwater landslide data angle is realized using the spatial guide line between the channel boundaries and the underwater multibeam sonar images.A landslide located on the right bank of the middle reaches of the Yalong River is selected as a case study to demonstrate that the proposed method has higher precision thantraditional methods.The experimental results show that the mosaicking method in this study can meet the basic needs of landslide modeling and provide a basis for qualitative and quantitative analysis and stability prediction of landslides.

Estimating Vertical Distribution of Vegetation Cover in Temperate Heterogeneous Forests Using Airborne Laser Scanning Data

Vertical structure is important for understanding forest environment, yet difficult to characterize, especially in temperate heterogeneous forests where the structure is complex. This study used data from a small-footprint airborne laser scanning (ALS) to estimate vegetation coverage in four stratum ranges in a warm temperate forest in Japan: >12 m, 8 - 12 m, 4 - 8 m, and 0 - 4 m in height. Field data were collected in 17 broad-leaved and 12 coniferous sample plots, consisting of the proportion of vegetation cover in each stratum range. The field and ALS measurements were conducted in summer, during leaf-on conditions. Using echo attributes (first, last, intermediate, and only), we calculated the vegetation coverage index (VCI) at 1-m height intervals. The cumulative sum of the VCI (CUMVCI) was then computed and compared with field observations. Linear regression analysis showed that the ALS data gave reasonable estimates of vegetation coverage in the upper two or three stratum ranges in broad-leaved stands, and in the upper two stratum ranges in coniferous stands. The model gave reproducible estimates until approximately 95% of the total returns had been applied. We conclude that ALS data can provide useful information on natural habitats in the management of warm temperate forest.

A Novel Airborne 3D Laser Point Cloud Hole Repair Algorithm Considering Topographic Features

Hole repair processing is an important part of point cloud data processing in airborne 3-dimensional(3D)laser scanning technology.Due to the fragmentation and irregularity of the surface morphology,when applying the 3D laser scanning technology to mountain mapping,the conventional mathematical cloud-based point cloud hole repair method is not ideal in practical applications.In order to solve this problem,we propose to repair the valley and ridge line first,and then repair the point cloud hole.The main technical steps of the method include the following points:First,the valley and ridge feature lines are extracted by the GIS slope analysis method;Then,the valley and ridge line missing from the hole are repaired by the mathematical interpolation method,and the repaired results are edited and inserted to the original point cloud;Finally,the traditional repair method is used to repair the point cloud hole whose valley line and ridge line have been repaired.Three experiments were designed and implemented in the east bank of the Xiaobaini River to test the performance of the proposed method.The results showed that compared with the direct point cloud hole repair method in Geomagic Studio software,the average repair accuracy of the proposed method,in the 16 m buffer zone of valley line and ridge line,is increased from 56.31 cm to 31.49 cm.The repair performance is significantly improved.

Using mixed integer programming and airborne laser scanning to generate forest management units

Airborne laser scanning(ALS)has been widely applied to estimate tree and forest attributes,but it can also drive the segmentation of forest areas.Clustering algorithms are the dominant technique in segmentation but spatial optimization using exact methods remains untested.This study presents a novel approach to segmentation based on mixed integer programming to create forest management units(FMUs).This investigation focuses on using raster information derived from ALS surveys.Two mainstream clustering algorithms were compared to the new MIP formula that simultaneously accounts for area and adjacency restrictions,FMUs size and homogeneity in terms of vegetation height.The optimal problem solution was found when using less than 150 cells,showing the problem formulation is solvable.The results for MIP were better than for the clustering algorithms;FMUs were more compact based on the intravariation of canopy height and the variability in size was lower.The MIP model allows the user to strictly control the size of FMUs,which is not possible in heuristic optimization and in the clustering algorithms tested.The definition of forest management units based on remote sensing data is an important operation and our study pioneers the use of MIP ALS-based optimal segmentation.

Influence of sampling intensity on performance of two-phase forest inventory using airborne laser scanning

Background: Forest inventories have always been a primary information source concerning the forest ecosystem state. Various applied survey approaches arise from the numerous important factors during sampling scheme planning. Paramount aspects include the survey goal and scale, target population inherent variation and patterns,and available resources. The last factor commonly inhibits the goal, and compromises have to be made. Airborne laser scanning(ALS) has been intensively tested as a cost-effective option for forest inventories. Despite existing foundations, research has provided disparate results. Environmental conditions are one of the factors greatly influencing inventory performance. Therefore, a need for site-related sampling optimization is well founded.Moreover, as stands are the basic operational unit of managed forest holdings, few related studies have presented stand-level results. As such, herein, we tested the sampling intensity influence on the performance of the ALSenhanced stand-level inventory.Results: Distributions of possible errors were plotted by comparing ALS model estimates, with reference values derived from field surveys of 3300 sample plots and more than 300 control stands located in 5 forest districts. No improvement in results was observed due to the scanning density. The variance in obtained errors stabilized in the interval of 200–300 sample plots, maintaining the bias within +/-5% and the precision above 80%. The sample plot area affected scores mostly when transitioning from 100 to 200 m2. Only a slight gain was observed when bigger plots were used.Conclusions: ALS-enhanced inventories effectively address the demand for comprehensive and detailed information on the structure of single stands over vast areas. Knowledge of the relation between the sampling intensity and accuracy of ALS estimates allows the determination of certain sampling intensity thresholds. This should be useful when matching the required sample size and accuracy with available resources. Site optimization may be necessary, as certain errors may occur due to the sampling scheme, estimator type or forest site, making these factors worth further consideration.

Analysis of Systematic Error Influences on Accuracy of Airborne Laser Scanning Altimetry

The error sources related to the laser rangefinder, GPS and INS are analyzed in details. Several coordinates systems used in airborne laser scanning are set up, and then the basic formula of system is given. This paper emphasizes on discussing the kinematic offset correction between GPS antenna phase center and laser fired point. And kinematic time delay influence on laser footprint position, the ranging errors, positioning errors, attitude errors and integration errors of the system are also explored. Finally, the result shows that the kinematic time delay can be neglected as compared with other error sources. The accuracy of the coordinates is not only influenced by the amplitude of the error, but also controlled by the operation parameters such as flight height, scanning angle amplitude and attitude magnitude of the platform.

Analysis of forest structural complexity using airborne LiDAR data and aerial photography in a mixed conifer–broadleaf forest in northern Japan

Determining forest structural complexity,i.e.,a measure of the number of different attributes of a forest and the relative abundance of each attribute,is important for forest management and conservation.In this study,we examined the structural complexity of mixed conifer–broadleaf forests by integrating multiple forest structural attributes derived from airborne Li DAR data and aerial photography.We sampled 76 plots from an unmanaged mixed conifer–broadleaf forest reserve in northern Japan.Plot-level metrics were computed for all plots using both field and remote sensing data to assess their ability to capture the vertical and horizontal variations of forest structure.A multivariate set of forest structural attributes that included three Li DAR metrics(95 th percentile canopy height,canopy density and surface area ratio) and one image metric(proportion of broadleaf cover),was used to classify forest structure into structural complexity classes.Our results revealed significant correlation between field and remote sensing metrics,indicating that these two sets of measurements captured similar patterns of structure in mixed conifer–broadleaf forests.Further,cluster analysis identified six forest structural complexity classes includingtwo low-complexity classes and four high-complexity classes that were distributed in different elevation ranges.In this study,we could reliably analyze the structural complexity of mixed conifer–broadleaf forests using a simple and easy to calculate set of forest structural attributes derived from airborne Li DAR data and high-resolution aerial photography.This study provides a good example of the use of airborne Li DAR data sets for wider purposes in forest ecology as well as in forest management.

Ablative laser assisted topical delivery of antifibrotics in the management of cicatricial ectropion

A variety of surgical techniques have traditionally been used to manage cicatricial ectropion. These techniques primarily aim at vertical lengthening of the anterior lamella and include a variety of skin flaps and grafts. Alternative techniques such as dermal filler injection to support the eyelid margin may also be used in the management of select patients with cicatricial ectropion. The application of different types of laser for scar revision throughout the body has rapidly evolved; similar mechanisms, principles and treatment rationale can be applied to the use of lasers in the management of cicatricial ectropion. Additionally, ablative lasers, such as Carbon Dioxide and Erbium:yttrium-aluminumgarnet lasers, may be used in the transdermal delivery of antifibrotic agents, such as interferon gamma, interferon alpha, vitamin D, triamcinolone and 5-fluorouracil, resulting in efficient target tissue penetration, limitation of systemic drug toxicity and decreased degradation. Although the combination of ablative fractional resurfacing and topical antifibrotic agents is a new treatment modality, there is a great potential for its efficient utilityin the management of periocular scarring and cicatricial ectropion. The introduction of these innovative therapeutic modalities offers ophthalmologists a greater range of possible effective treatments to address periocular scar tissue and the resultant cicatricial ectropion.

Laser Scanning的基本原理及其应用前景

首先介绍了激光测距仪的发展历程,针对应用领域的不同,分别对3维激光成像仪和机载/星载激光测高仪的测量原理进行了阐述,并分别介绍了两种激光测距仪的工作流程以及数据处理流程,最后对两种激光测距仪的应用范围进行了阐述,并把两种激光测距技术和普通摄影测量进行了比较,指出了激光测距技术相对于普通摄影测量的优点,即高精度性、穿透性、实时性。

弹道导弹突防某型ABL的自旋速度研究

叙述了某型机载激光武器(ABL)的作战方案、杀伤威力及其对弹道导弹的威胁。针对弹道导弹主动段自旋的突防方案,分析了弹道导弹自旋速度的上限、下限和具备突防某型ABL能力的最小自旋速度。以某型远程弹道导弹为例,通过仿真计算确定了其突防某型ABL最合适的自旋速度范围。研究结果表明,所确定的自旋速度范围既能在某型弹道导弹上实现,又能达到突防某型ABL的效果,表明弹道导弹主动段自旋是防御激光武器的一种有效措施。

美国ABL计划的新进展

“ABL”系统是一个非常典型的高能激光应用系统 ,具有高度机动、高度精确及对目标进行闪电打击的特性 ,以及对多个目标进行毁灭性打击的能力。该系统能适应各种复杂环境 ,并能以最小的和可恢复的毁伤实现政治、军事上的双赢。因此 ,“ABL”系统也是美国投入大量人力、物力优先发展的弹道导弹防御武器系统。介绍“ABL”系统的历史、组成及研制分工 ,详述其近期的技术进展和战场优异性能。

美国机载激光武器发展-ABL计划

介绍了美国机载激光武器(ABL)计划,分析了ABL武器的组成、工作原理、战技指标和作战运用设计,进而从概念设计、技术验证、分系统集成测试和全系统综合试验四个阶段总结回顾了ABL计划的发展历程,最后从技术制约、作战运用、政策变化、运营管理四个方面探讨了ABL计划失败的原因,并从风险控制、关键技术评估、全寿命需求论证与考核等方面给出了研制发展高新技术武器的启示。

Assessment of handheld mobile terrestrial laser scanning for estimating tree parameters

Sustainable forest management heavily relies on the accurate estimation of tree parameters.Among others,the diameter at breast height(DBH) is important for extracting the volume and mass of an individual tree.For systematically estimating the volume of entire plots,airborne laser scanning(ALS) data are used.The estimation model is frequently calibrated using manual DBH measurements or static terrestrial laser scans(STLS) of sample plots.Although reliable,this method is time-consuming,which greatly hampers its use.Here,a handheld mobile terrestrial laser scanning(HMTLS) was demonstrated to be a useful alternative technique to precisely and efficiently calculate DBH.Different data acquisition techniques were applied at a sample plot,then the resulting parameters were comparatively analysed.The calculated DBH values were comparable to the manual measurements for HMTLS,STLS,and ALS data sets.Given the comparability of the extracted parameters,with a reduced point density of HTMLS compared to STLS data,and the reasonable increase of performance,with a reduction of acquisition time with a factor of5 compared to conventional STLS techniques and a factor of3 compared to manual measurements,HMTLS is considered a useful alternative technique.

Review of laser and light therapy in the treatment of oculofacial pathology

Demand for non-invasive techniques to treat oculofacial pathology has allowed for the growth and development of several new laser and light therapy modalities. These modalities include the use of intense pulsed light(IPL) and photodynamic therapy(PDT), light-emitting diode devices, as well as ablative and non-ablative lasers. Therapeutic applications in the periorbital area may involve the treatment of vascular lesions, telangiectasias, dyspigmentation, photodamage, hypertrichosis, rhytids, and scars. Laser and light-based technology offers patients treatment options that range from conservative to aggressive, allowing for choices between subtle results with little downtime or dramatic results with longer downtime. Advantages of laser treatments, as compared to traditional medical and surgical treatments, include a longer lasting effect than some of the conservative therapies and the ability to serve as a happy medium between non-invasive topical medicine and invasive surgical techniques. For patients seekingnon-invasive alternatives, these modalities confer a major advantage over incisional surgery. Understanding appropriate usage, side effects, and outcomes is before treating functional and cosmetic issues. Here we present a review of current treatment modalities, their use, side effects, and outcomes.

非剥脱点阵激光联合透明质酸钠复合溶液注射治疗颈部老化疗效观察

目的:观察非剥脱点阵激光联合透明质酸钠复合溶液注射治疗颈部老化的临床疗效。方法:选取2020年7月-2022年7月于笔者医院就诊的30例颈部老化女性就医者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和联合组各15例。对照组给予1 565 nm M22-ResurFx非剥脱点阵激光治疗;联合组给予1 565 nm M22-ResurFx非剥脱点阵激光联合透明质酸钠复合溶液注射治疗。对照组激光治疗3次;联合组激光及透明质酸钠复合溶液联合治疗3次,收集每次治疗前、后照片,评估治疗前、后就医者颈部老化的改善程度和治疗后不良反应。结果:联合组改善率为66.67%,明显高于对照组的20.00%(P<0.05);联合组就医者满意率为80.00%,高于对照组的53.33%;联合组颈部老化分级明显优于对照组(P<0.05)。激光治疗后治疗区域均即刻出现红斑及风团,3~5 d消退,无结痂及出血发生。两组均未有其他严重不良反应发生。结论:非剥脱点阵激光联合透明质酸钠复合溶液注射治疗颈部老化疗效好,患者满意度高,值得临床推广应用。

多源点云优化的城市三维模型构建

简易模型与传统复杂的单体模型相比,对存储、可视化、传输和后续应用技术要求低,敏感信息承载量少,且能满足大部分应用需求,具有更高的应用价值。考虑应用需求与技术现状,自然资源部将城市三维模型(L0D1.3级)纳入实景三维中国建设任务中。目前相关生产以半自动化采集为主,工程化应用存在技术流程烦琐、效率较低且对数据量限制较大等问题。本文立足山东实际,提出了一种基于多源点云优化的城市三维模型快速构建技术,在充分利用现有数据基础上有效提升了数据处理效率,大幅减少了生产成本,并在实景三维山东建设过程中得到了有效验证,具有较好的社会经济效益与推广价值。

非剥脱点阵激光联合侧柏叶酊对斑秃小鼠IL-7/IL-7Rα信号通路和Tregs细胞亚群的影响

目的:研究1565 nm非剥脱点阵激光联合侧柏叶酊(Platycladus orientalis tincture,POT)对斑秃(Alopecia areata,AA)小鼠治疗作用以及对白细胞介素7(Interleukin 7,IL-7)/白细胞介素7受体α(Interleukin-7 receptorα,IL-7Rα)信号通路和调节性T细胞(Regulatory T cells,Tregs)亚群的影响。方法:将50只成年雄性C3H/HeJ小鼠随机分为对照组(C组),模型组[M组,环磷酰胺(Cyclophosphamide,CTX)诱导AA模型],M+1565 nm组(1565 nm非剥脱点阵激光治疗AA),M+POT组(POT治疗AA)、M+1565 nm+POT组(1565 nm非剥脱点阵激光联合POT治疗AA),每组10只。流式细胞术检测C组和M组皮损组织中Tregs细胞亚群的比例和所有组血液中单个核细胞中Tregs细胞亚群的比例。Western blot法检测各组小鼠皮损组织中IL-7和IL-7Rα的表达。结果:与C组比,M组皮肤组织IL-7和IL-7Rα的表达均明显增加,而且Tregs细胞比例明显减少(P<0.05)。与M组比,M+1565 nm组和M+POT组IL-7的表达均降低(P<0.05)。与M组比,M+1565 nm+POT组IL-7和IL-7Rα的表达均降低,且Tregs细胞比例都显著增加(P<0.05)。结论:1565 nm非剥脱点阵激光联合POT治疗可以抑制斑秃小鼠IL-7/IL-7Rα信号并减少Tregs细胞的比例。