PhoDAR, LiDAR and Forestry: Using SfM for Canopy Height Modeling - A Case Study

Abstract:

Over the last decade Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has become an increasingly accepted and highly utilized tool for gathering geospatial data. A more recent innovation has been the ability to create point clouds similar to those from LiDAR through photogrammetric Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques. This newer technique, which we like to call Photogrammetric Detection and Ranging (PhoDAR), has huge potential for being able to collect data over a variety of terrain types. Here we present a case study of how PhoDAR compares with LiDAR and ground data in regards to forest canopy height modeling. Our results to this point have been promising and seem to indicate that PhoDAR could become a viable alternative or complementary technology to LiDAR.