Most similar neighbor imputation of forest attributes using metrics derived from combined airborne LIDAR and multispectral sensors

Autor: Ruben Valbuena, Ana Hernando, Jose Antonio Manzanera, Eugenio Martínez-Falero, Antonio García-Abril, Blas Mola-Yudego
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2018
Předmět:
Zdroj: International Journal of Digital Earth, Vol 11, Iss 12, Pp 1205-1218 (2018)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1753-8947
1753-8955
17538947
DOI: 10.1080/17538947.2017.1387183
Popis: In the context of predicting forest attributes using a combination of airborne LIDAR and multispectral (MS) sensors, we suggest the inclusion of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) metrics along with the more traditional LIDAR height metrics. Here the data fusion method consists of back-projecting LIDAR returns onto original MS images, avoiding co-registration errors. The prediction method is based on non-parametric imputation (the most similar neighbor). Predictor selection and accuracy assessment include hypothesis tests and over-fitting prevention methods. Results show improvements when using combinations of LIDAR and MS compared to using either of them alone. The MS sensor has little explanatory capacity for forest variables dependent on tree height, already well determined from LIDAR alone. However, there is potential for variables dependent on tree diameters and their density. The combination of LIDAR and MS sensors can be very beneficial for predicting variables describing forests structural heterogeneity, which are best described from synergies between LIDAR heights and NDVI dispersion. Results demonstrate the potential of NDVI metrics to increase prediction accuracy of forest attributes. Their inclusion in the predictor dataset may, however, in a few cases be detrimental to accuracy, and therefore we recommend to carefully assess the possible advantages of data fusion on a case-by-case basis.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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