Expanding forest research with terrestrial LiDAR technology
Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: The three-dimensional arrangement of plant components, both within and among individual trees, is fundamental for characterizing forest ecosystems. This structure not only influences but also responds to environmental changes, playing a key role in regulating light regimes, forest productivity, as well as physiological and biophysical processes. Over the past few decades, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS, or terrestrial LiDAR) has provided a unique perspective of this 3D structure, offering new insights into ecological processes and forest disturbances, as well as enhancing structural assessments in forest and carbon inventories. Here, we examine recent advancements in TLS and its applications in forest science. We also explore how increasing computational power, alongside the rise of artificial intelligence, is empowering researchers to tackle more complex questions, paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding forest ecosystem dynamics in a changing world.
Source: Nature Communications
Institutions: Finnish Meteorological Institute, University of Helsinki, GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Ghent University, National Centre for Earth Observation, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Maryland, College Park, Tampere University, University of Tampere, Aalto University, University of Eastern Finland, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, China National Botanical Garden
Language: English
Subfield: Forestry
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Funder: Academy of Finland
OpenAlex ID: W4414850355