Geospatial data analysis in final stages.

Using data from USFS LiDAR missions, as well as multispectral image data from DigitalGlobe, I have been able to identify several forest canopy charateristics that will be used to site ~70 biodiversity sample plots.

These include: Proposing to model canopy parameters that influence PAR and understory microclimate:

1. Leaf area (LAI)

2. Total Vegetation Density – percent ratio of vegetation to ground returns per m2

3. Percent Vegetation in Height Range – (i.e., 0-1m, …2.5-10m…20-30m, etc.) – number of vegetation returns in the specified range per m2

4. Canopy Relief Ratio – mean height less the minimum height divided by the maximum height less the minimum height per m2

5. Texture of Heights – texture of height of points per pixel equal to the SD of height > ground threshold and height < crown threshold per m2

6. Foliage Height Diversity – the Shannon diversity index calculated as percentage cover at different heights per m2

 

Study area of mixed conifer forest located in the Russian Wilderness of the Klamath National Forest in Northern Californa

 

Vascular plants on forest floor.

 

Non-photosynthetic bryophyte species on forest floor.