Integrated sensing

TLS and ULS produce very detailed point clouds that we use to estimate forest structure, like tree height, diameter at breast height and individual tree biomass. We operate a RIEGL VZ400i and VZ600i in temperate and tropical forests. On our UAVs we fly with a VUX-120²³ and miniVUX-3UAV to capture 10s to 100s of hectares within few days.

ALS surveys capture the 3D structure of landscapes and countries, including vegetation and forests. In many countries of Europe and elsewhere, ALS surveys are conducted for cadastral purposes but have had little attention for vegetation structure assessment. We make use of these vast archives for larger scale biomass estimation.

SLS missions collect LiDAR observations globally and allow a consistent estimation of biomass across whole biomes. So far, they have been primarily technology demonstrators but have proven their value in a rapidly expanding field. We make use of GEDI and ICESat-2 for forest above ground biomass estimation, and intercomparison and calibration of radar-based wall-to-wall missions like ESA’s BIOMASS. We also investigate the possibilities for a future European space-borne LiDAR mission. (VeggieH)

Combined use of newly available hyperspectral observations at large scale together with well-vetted EO products. We analyse the challenges and opportunities of combining imaging data with other EO products, such as inventory data or airborne/space-borne LiDAR. Furthermore, we employ AI methods to support analysis of complex data.

We take care of the heavy UAV and sensor systems (>25 kg take-off weight) for section 1.4, specifically the Acecore Noa with NEO HySpex Mjolnir VS-620. This includes system integration, maintenance and operational procedures.

The GEO-TREES initiative aims to support and establish a global network of high-quality supersites for the purpose of calibration and validation of satellite aboveground biomass products. We support GEO-TREES with TLS surveys, developing protocols and taking part in technical advisory groups on TLS and ALS. More information about GEO-TREES can be found here.

StrucNet brings together research teams with the aim to monitor the temporal evolution of vegetation structure and how this is impacted by environmental change. As part of StrucNet, we operate sites, develop new sensing instruments and concepts, and investigate sensor performance and interoperability. More information about StrucNet can be found here.

VODnet is an initiative of institutions across Europe and North America that makes use of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals to monitor vegetation water and structure. Our group is a founding member of VODnet and we operate several VOD sites, mostly across Europe but also one in French Guiana.