ForestScan: a unique multiscale dataset of tropical forest structure across 3 continents including terrestrial, UAV and airborne LiDAR and in-situ forest census data
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: . The ForestScan project was conceived to evaluate new technologies for characterising forest structure and biomass at Forest Biomass Reference Measurement Sites (FBRMS). It is closely aligned with other international initiatives, particularly the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Working Group on Calibration & Validation (WGCV) AGB cal/val protocols, and is part of GEO-TREES, an international consortium dedicated to establishing a global network of Forest Biomass Reference Measurement Sites (FBRMS) to support EO and encourage investment in relevant field-based observations and science. ForestScan is the first demonstration of what can be achieved more broadly under GEO-TREES, which would significantly expand and enhance the use of EO-derived AGB estimates. We present data from the ForestScan project, a unique multiscale dataset of tropical forest 3D structural measurements, including terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (UAV-LS), airborne laser scanning (ALS), and in-situ tree census and ancillary data. These data are critical for the calibration and validation of earth observation (EO) estimates of forest biomass, as well as providing broader insights into tropical forest structure. Data are presented for three FBRMS: FBRMS-01: Paracou, French Guiana; FBRMS-02: Lopé, Gabon; and FBRMS-03: Kabili-Sepilok, Malaysia. Field data for each site include new 3D LiDAR measurements combined with plot tree census and ancillary data, at a multi-hectare scale. Not all data types were collected at all sites, reflecting the practical challenges of field data collection. We also provide detailed data collection protocols and recommendations for TLS, UAV-LS, and plot census measurements for each site, along with requirements for ancillary data to enable integration with ALS data (where possible) and upscaling to EO estimates. We outline the requirements and challenges for field data collection for each data type and discuss the practical considerations for establishing new FBRMS or upgrading existing sites to FBRMS standard, including insights into the associated costs and benefits.
Source: Earth system science data
Authors: Cecilia Chavana-Bryant, Phil Wilkes, Wanxin Yang, Andrew Burt, Peter Vines, Amy C. Bennett, Georgia C. Pickavance, Declan L. M. Cooper, Simon L. Lewis, Oliver L. Phillips, Benjamin Brede, Alvaro Lau, Martin Herold, Iain M. McNicol, Edward T. A. Mitchard, David A. Coomes, Toby D. Jackson, Löic Makaga, Heddy O. Milamizokou Napo, Alfred Ngomanda, Stephan Ntie, Vincent Medjibe, Pacôme Dimbonda, Luna Soenens, Virginie Daelemans, Laetitia Proux, Reuben Nilus, Nicolas Labrière, Kathryn Jeffery, David F. R. P. Burslem, Dan Clewley, David Moffat, Lan Qie, Harm Bartholomeus, Gregoire Vincent, Nicolas Barbier, Geraldine Derroire, Katharine Abernethy, Klaus Scipal, Mathias Disney
Institutions: National Centre for Earth Observation, University College London, University of Leeds, GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Wageningen University & Research, University of Edinburgh, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Conservation Initiative, National Agency for National Parks, Ghent University, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, University of French Guiana, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, Sabah Forestry Department, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement, University of Stirling, European Space Research Institute, University of Aberdeen, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of Lincoln, UMR Botanique et Modélisation de l’Architecture des Plantes et des végétations
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,509
OpenAlex ID: W7129073238