WG1: Laser- and Image-based Data Collection

WG1

Leaders

Dr 
Ninni Saarinen
WG1 Leader
Schoolf of Forest Sciences
Finland
Prof 
Kim Calders
WG1 Co-leader
Ghent University
Belgium
Louise Terryn
WG1 Co-leader
Ghent University
Belgium
WG1

Description of the WG1

The WG1 primarily focuses on different aspects of data collection by novel terrestrial-based technologies suitable to capture and generate 3D point clouds of individual trees as well as forest ecosystems. The focus is on laser scanning (terrestrial and mobile), photogrammetry (static, mobile, multi-camera), and depth sensors (e.g. Azure Kinect or new sensors on iPhone).

The WG1 will develop guidelines and protocols on data collection with identified novel terrestrial-based technologies for precision forestry and forest ecology research purposes. Guidelines and protocols will be developed based on the review of published papers, experience, and results provided by all involved members, previous benchmarking studies, and more. Another activity will be the creation of benchmarks based either on already available data or implemented through training schools, STSMs, or WG meetings.

Novel terrestrial-based technologies will play an important part to face these challenges. Such technologies have experienced a fast development in recent years. The forests can now be observed and monitored in a very high spatial and temporal resolution that was not possible even a few years ago. Researchers and practitioners are facing a unique opportunity to deepen the understanding of forest ecosystems and to change the forestry to adopt the climate, environment and industrial changes. Various research groups across EU and beyond are testing such technologies or developing processing algorithms for precision forestry and forest ecology. But further cooperation is strongly required.

3DForEcoTech project aims to establish a strong network of scientists and stakeholders (i.e. practitioners) and sensor manufacturers to synchronise the knowledge, to develop general protocols and algorithms for forest ecosystem state survey and forest functioning, and to make these novel technologies available to a broad audience. Specifically, 3DForEcoTech will develop protocols for data acquisition, processing, fusion for forest inventory and ecological applications, and will establish open-data and open-source algorithm databases.

Tasks

WG1-T1: Identifying suitable novel terrestrial-based technologies for 3D data capture and generation of forest ecosystems and the most important factors that influence the performance of data collection with regards to efficiency and accuracy.

WG1-T2: Developing general guidelines and protocols of data collection for identified technologies with regard to identified factors and establishing metadata profiles that will quantify the quality of datasets (e.g. accuracy, resolution).

WG1-T3: Testing and developing protocols for different precision forestry and forest ecology purposes proposed by WG4 and WG5.

WG1-T4: Creating an open-data database of point clouds and other related data.

Milestones

WG1-M1:Workshop on data collection by different types of terrestrial-based technologies.

WG1-M2:Joint workshop with WG2 and WG3 on data collection, fusion and data processing of three-dimensional terrestrial-based technologie

Structure

Meet the other Working Groups

The WG2 focuses on the fusion of data produced by novel terrestrial-based technologies data with other remote sensing data. The aim is to establish the link between terrestrial data in the frame of large-scale applications at regional, national, or even global levels.

The WG3 is divided into three main aspects of point cloud processing: pre-processing, processing, and evaluation of results. Pre-processing is an important step for both laser- and image-based point clouds. And it is a very crucial step for photogrammetry where the two-dimensional images are processed into 3D point clouds.

WG4 is working on the application part of the Action. WG4 focuses on the usage of novel terrestrial-based technologies and techniques within precision forestry. Mainly on forest stands and individual tree parameters, that could be used for forest inventory, monitoring, and management.

WG5 is an application-oriented WG, similar to WG4. In this case, the focus is on the implementation of novel terrestrial-based technologies for forest ecology research purposes. In the beginning, it will identify already available best practices. The WG5 closely works with WG1-3 to identify all possibilities from data collection, data fusion, and processing points of view.

WG6 is responsible for identifying important stakeholders and target audiences at the national, European, and global levels. It will establish correct and efficient communication with all parties, in order to disseminate the findings and results.