Laser Pulse Interaction with Forest Canopy: Geometric and Radiometric Issues

Abstract

This chapter focuses upon retrieving forest biophysical parameters by extracting three-dimensional point cloud information from small-footprint full-waveform airborne laser scanner data. This full waveform gives the end user the possibility to gain control over range determination and the subsequent derivation of the point clouds. Furthermore, the attribution of physical parameters to the single points using these waveforms becomes additionally possible. The underlying physical principles form the begin of this chapter, followed by forward modeling of waveforms over simulated forested areas, the treatment of real waveforms and an example for validating the results of full-waveform analysis.