Point Clouds and Tree Metrics: Flying on Top of Trees with Remote Sensing
Data collection in forest inventory has come a long way. From measuring tree manually in the field to using satellite imagery, humans have always strived to make this process easier and faster. Field trips inside forests can be enjoyable, but they are also intensive and sometimes dangerous due to wildlife and unpredictable weather conditions. Consequently, foresters and researchers are constantly seeking better, non-invasive ways to conduct forest inventories. This is where remote sensing comes into play. Remote sensing is the art of obtaining information about an object using satellites or aircraft equipped with sensors, without the need for physical contact. Have you seen drone shots where a person can stand on a surface, zooms out with a wide-angle lens, and captures a large area as the drone flies further? This is an example of remote sensing. Remote sensing comes in various forms, from taking photos to collecting points for data analysis. Many satellites collect series of images o...