Validation of Airborne LiDAR Intensity Values from a Forested Landscape Using HyMap Data: Preliminary Analyses

Authors: Boyd, D.S. and Hill, R.A.

Conference: Proceedings of the ISPRS Workshop: Laser Scanning 2007 and SilviLaser 2007

Dates: 12-14 September 2007

Pages: 71-76

Publisher: ISPRS

ISSN: 1682-1777

Abstract:

There is a growing body of literature that points to the value of using the intensity measures of the backscattered laser light in addition to the pulse range measurements for studying a range of environments, including forests. However, there is a lack of literature that has validated the lidar intensity values captured in a campaign, and therefore limited understanding in the full utility of these data. This paper presents preliminary analyses of lidar intensity values captured over an area of woodland in the UK in comparison with concurrently acquired HyMap data, which measures the passive reflected radiation at the same wavelengths. The study concludes that lidar intensity values are broadly representative of the NIR radiation reflected from the forested landscape and therefore could be utilised. However, there is a real need for calibration of intensity data, particularly if flight lines are to be merged. Furthermore, if lidar intensity values are to be interpolated into a raster and used in a similar way to conventional image analysis, the selected interpolation technique significantly affects the resultant lidar values.

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Ross Hill