Trajectory design for handheld mobile laser scanning in complex natural forests: a simulation approach

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60460709%3A41320%2F25%3A103668" target="_blank" >RIV/60460709:41320/25:103668 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924271625003831?pes=vor&utm_source=clarivate&getft_integrator=clarivate" target="_blank" >https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924271625003831?pes=vor&utm_source=clarivate&getft_integrator=clarivate</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2025.09.025" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2025.09.025</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Trajectory design for handheld mobile laser scanning in complex natural forests: a simulation approach

Original language description

This paper presents a simulation study investigating the impact of mobile laser scanning trajectories on the quality of tree stem reconstruction. The analysis is conducted at the level of individual returns, simulating beams emitted from a moving scanner. A real point cloud acquired with the handheld scanning system GeoSLAM Zeb Horizon was used to assess the beam emission pattern, which was then applied to a simulated motion along various trajectory designs. The simulation was performed on 1000 m2 circular sample plots, utilizing real forest structure assessed in forest stand characterized by complex spatial, age, and species structures resulting from selection management approaches. The effect of laser beam occlusion by branches, leaves, and understory vegetation was modeled using environment models based on real point clouds. Stochastic noise was applied to simulated return positions to replicate observed noise in GeoSLAM Zeb Horizon data. The study included simulations on 18 circular plots with complex forest structure and 22 plots where only tree stems caused occlusion. Evaluation criteria included return coverage on tree stem surfaces, tree detection success, and diameter estimation accuracy. Results show that the impact of trajectory design is dependent on forest structure. In complex stands, selecting an appropriate trajectory was important, whereas in simpler structures, such as mature even-aged forests, its influence was minimal. Generalized linear models describing tree detection probability as a function of distance from the scanner, stem diameter, and vegetation density revealed that in optically dense stands, all large trees were consistently detected within 10 m from the scanner, while for thinner stems, the distance at which full detection could be expected decreased. A model of diameter estimation error showed a slight increase in expected error with distance and vegetation density, reflecting their combined impact on stem reconstruction quality. The trajectory length determined point density and affected tree identification success and diameter estimation accuracy. The trajectory shape should ensure uniform spacing between lines and consistent plot coverage. A trajectory that follows only the perimeter was insufficient and had to be combined with an efficient traversal of the inner area, minimizing repeated sections while ensuring even coverage.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

20705 - Remote sensing

Project

<a href="/en/project/QK21010198" target="_blank" >QK21010198: Adaptation of forestry for sustainable use of natural resources</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

ISPRS JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING

ISSN

0924-2716

e-ISSN

0924-2716

Volume of the periodical

230

Issue of the periodical within the volume

2025

Country of publishing house

CZ - CZECH REPUBLIC

Number of pages

13

Pages from-to

524-546

UT code for WoS article

001590325700001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

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