Modeling realized gains in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) using laser scanning data from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Tree breeding programs form an integral part of sustainable forest management by providing genetically improved stock for reforestation. These programs rely on accurate phenotyping of forest trials, which become increasingly difficult to assess as trees grow larger and canopy closure occurs. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) provides three-dimensional point cloud information on forest structure which can be used to characterize phenotypes of forest...