Non-destructive above ground biomass estimation of individual tree species using airborne LiDAR data for combating global warming

Abstract

Biomass is a globally utilised strategy to reduce the effects of global warming. The amount of carbon from biomass requires comprehensive knowledge of which tree species absorb carbon best. The airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technique can determine biomass in different tree species. The aim of this study was to develop a method for assessing biomass for individual tree species using allometric equation method in Black Sea Region of Turkey. This study focused on two important parameters which is diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height during the process. LiDAR derived canopy height model (CHM) was used to extract tree parameter. The relationship between the obtained biomass amounts and the values measured in the field was revealed. As a result of this, R2 and RMSE values for Site-1 are 0.89 m (RMSE = 53.56 kg/tree), 0.65 m (RMSE = 99.36 kg/tree) for Site-2 and 0.99 m (RMSE = 801.55 kg/tree) for Site-3 respectively.