Assessing Tree Quality Among Poplar Clones Using LiDAR Technologies and UAV Photogrammetry

LiDAR technology has significantly advanced our ability to analyse forest structure by providing detailed, non-invasive measurements of tree characteristics. In forestry, both aerial and terrestrial LiDAR systems have emerged as valuable tools for assessing parameters such as diameter, stem form, and canopy structure. This study explores the integration of drone-based photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tree quality assessments. By combining the top-down perspective of drones with the detailed ground-level data from TLS, we aim to generate comprehensive 3D models of individual trees. The research focuses on 6 distinct poplar clones, a species group of commercial and ecological importance in Italy, where traditional measurement methods remain labour-intensive. Using ground control points (GCPs) and advanced point cloud processing, the study evaluates how well integrated remote sensing can replicate or enhance field-based measurements, ultimately contributing to more scalable and precise approaches in plantation forestry.