Estimating forest timber volume by means of "low-cost" LiDAR data

The main purpose of the present research is to verify whether medium resolution LiDAR data, not forest-specific, can be used to carry out statistical models for estimating timber volume. LiDAR data with different characteristics, and taken in different seasons (winter and summer) on the same forest area (Foresta di Paneveggio, Trentino, Italy), were processed, and an estimation model using winter low-resolution data was performed. Such model was then applied to a different territory, having similar forest characteristics. Moreover, LiDAR and ground data, surveyed during the management plan inventory, were integrated. The final model allows to obtain good volume estimates with fair precision if applied at forest compartments level, and can produce detailed timber volume maps, very useful when planning forestry operations.