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Inventories of Forest Biomass in the Great Lakes Region

Title: Inventories of Forest Biomass in the Great Lakes Region and Central Norway using Airborne LiDAR “A Multidisciplinary and Collaborative research project with the University of Minnesota and the
PI(s) : Paul V. Bolstad (2005)
Dept :
Funding Source : IREE

Summary

Airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an emerging technology that can be used to accurately assess aboveground forest biomass and bio-energy feedstocks. LiDAR is an efficient, remote sensing technique that can capture the three-dimensional structure of forest canopies and provide stand- and regional-scale forest inventory estimates. The researchers will demonstrate "proof-of-concept" in forested landscapes of the Great Lakes Region, and will secure additional funds from a cooperative Norway-US research initiative ( http://www.cbs.umn.edu/main/conferences/environment). Norway is a leader in LiDAR technology for forest inventory applications, and the University of Minnesota has expertise in forest ecology and geospatial data analysis used to monitor and predict changes in forest growth and energy cycling. The researchers will develop at least one full research proposal with Drs. Erik Næsset (Agricultural Univ. of Norway) and Ross Nelson (NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) during 2005 for submission to appropriate agencies. This grant request will provide seed money for that submission.

Description

Project Deliverables:

A high-resolution GIS-based map and database of biomass within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Cost and accuracy assessment for LiDAR-based remote sensing of forest biomass. Peer reviewed journal article describing a) new data collection and analysis methods for LiDAR-based forest inventories; and b) general characteristics of biomass and bioenergy feedstocks within mixed forests of Minnesota and the Great Lakes region. Multimedia presentations will be prepared to educate researchers, forest managers, and businesses/utilities with commercial interests in LiDAR technology for assessing forest biomass and bioenergy feedstocks.

Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 13:07  

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