Assessment of Forest Parameters by Means of Laser Scanning

This paper deals with forest inventory methods based on laser scanning and satellite remote sensing. It will be demonstrated to what extent forest inventories can benefit from the synergistic use of both sensor types. The forest inventory parameters to be assessed are: tree height, timber volume, tree species, tree age, stand boundary, and basal area. The results presented are derived from the “HIGHSCAN” project (Assessing forest stand attributes by integrated use of high-resolution satellite imagery and laser scanner) which is coordinated by the Helsinki University of Technology and financed by the EU, DG XII. Developments have been carried out in close co-operation with forest management authorities, in particular with private forest owners. In this paper the results derived from the Austrian test sites will be presented.