Conference Agenda

Session
DEMO - Global Terrestrial Laser Scanning Database
Time:
Thursday, 13/Feb/2025:
10:00am - 11:30am

 Location: James Cook meeting room

Building 1

Presentations
ID: 153 / 4.02.3: 1

Understanding 3D Structural Signature of Biodiversity Traits in Dry Forests

Atticus Stovall1,2, Shukhrat Shokirov2,3, John Armston2, Lisa Patrick Bentley4, Kim Calders5, Mathias Disney6, Lola Fatoyinbo1

1NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, United States of America; 2University of Maryland, United States; 3TIIAME National Research University, Uzbekistan; 4Sonoma State University, United States; 5Ghent University, Belgium; 6University College London, United Kingdom

Conservation of forest biodiversity at a global scale is directly dependent on understanding the factors influencing habitat structure. Yet, the standard metrics for assessing biodiversity (Essential Biodiversity Variables) do not capture 3D ecosystem complexity and are constrained to simplistic measures of ecosystem structure (e.g. canopy cover or tree height). Understanding the factors influencing more complex tree architectural traits in forests will support mapping and monitoring of forest biodiversity and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

In this demonstration, we will introduce participants to the technology of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and the NASA-funded Global TLS Database (global-tls.net) as a method of capturing 3D structural biodiversity traits. We will cover the following topics:

  1. TLS Acquisition, Technology and Limitations
  2. Processing Approaches
  3. Global TLS Database and Current Developments
  4. Applications to Biodiversity Science

We will begin with a general introduction to TLS technology - exploring the field acquisition methods and considerations for users. We will continue, detailing common TLS processing approaches, from basic forest inventory measurements to advanced single-tree 3D reconstructions and plot-level forest structures. Next, we present recent developments from our community-built global database containing thousands of ground-based laser scanning plots - the Global TLS Database. The Global TLS Database uses an open source workflow to derive tree-level and plot-level architectural traits important for biodiversity. Finally, in this interactive demonstration, participants are encouraged to discuss and ask questions regarding applications and potential future implementations of TLS technology in the context of biodiversity measurements and trait extraction.

Overall, our goal is to provide participants with an introduction to TLS technology and a clear understanding of how to leverage the Global TLS Database for biodiversity mapping and future biodiversity science.