Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University (강원대학교 산림과학연구소)
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Tree Height Estimation of Pinus densiflora and Pinus koraiensis in Korea with the Use of UAV-Acquired Imagery

  • Talkasen, Lynn J. (Department of Agroforestry, College of Agriculture, Benguet State University) ;
  • Kim, Myeong Jun (Forest Environment and Geospatial Technology Research Institute) ;
  • Kim, Dong Hyeon (Department of Ecology and Environmental Systems, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Kim, Dong Geun (Department of Ecology and Environmental Systems, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Lee, Kawn Hee (Department of Forestry, Kyungpook National University)
  • Received : 2017.03.02
  • Accepted : 2017.05.15
  • Published : 2017.08.31
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Abstract

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for the estimation of tree height is gaining recognition. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of tree height estimation of Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. and Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. using digital surface model (DSM) generated from UAV-acquired imageries. Images were taken with the $Trimble^{(R)}$ UX5 equipped with Sony ${\alpha}5100$. The generated DSM, together with the digital elevation model (DEM) generated from a digital map of the study areas, were used in the estimation of tree height. Field measurements were conducted in order to generate a regression model and carry out accuracy assessment. The obtained coefficients of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) for P. densiflora (R2=0.71; RMSE=1.00 m) and P. koraiensis (R2=0.64; RMSE=0.85 m) are comparable to the results of similar studies. The results of the paired two-tailed t-test show that the two tree height estimation methods are not significantly different (p-value=0.04 and 0.10, alpha level=0.01), which means that tree height estimation using UAV imagery could be used as an alternative to field measurement.

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References

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