Terrestrial photogrammetry: a non-destructive method for modelling irregularly shaped tropical tree trunks

above-ground biomass; buttress; diameter above the buttresses; permanent sample plot; point of measurement; shape index; structure from motion; taper model; three dimensional modelling; tropical forest; trois dimensions; tropical; Afrique; contreforts; biomass; diamètre au dessus des contreforts; défilement; indice de forme; modélisation

Abstract :

[en] 1. Irregularly shaped trees including trees with buttresses, flutes or stilt roots are frequent in tropical forests. The lack of an international standard tomeasure the diameter of such trees leads to high uncertainties in biomass estimation, tree growth and carbon budget monitoring. 2. In this study, we developed a new method based on terrestrial close-range photogrammetry for measuring andmodelling irregular stems. This approach is cheap and easy to implement in the field as it only requires a camera and a graduated rod. We validated the approach with destructive cross-sectionmeasurements along the stem of three buttressed trees. To demonstrate the broader utility of this method, we extended the validated approach to 43 additional trees belonging to two species: Celtis mildbraedii (Ulmaceae) and Entandophragma cylindricum (Meliaceae). Based on the three dimensional models, we computed shape indices for each tree, and we analysed the stem morphology of the two species. Finally, we analysed some standardized predictors for the estimation of above-ground biomass. 3. We found a high concordance between diameters derived from the photogrammetric process and destructive diameter measurements along the stem for the three calibration trees. We found that C. mildbraedii develop much stronger irregularities than E. cylindricum.We also identified a large intraspecific variation in trunk morphology for E. cylindricum. The basal area at 1 3 mheight (Darea130) seems to be amore robust predictor for biomass estimates (lowest Akaike information criterion and relative squared error) than diameter measured above buttresses (DAB) or diameter at breast height estimated from available taper model. Finally, Darea130 might be estimated with a good precision [root mean square error (RMSE) < 5%] with linear model based on the field measurements DABand the perimeter of the convex hull of the buttresses at 1 3 mheight (Dconvhull130). 4. In this study, we showed the high potential of the photogrammetry for measuring and modelling irregular stems. Photogrammetry could then be used as a non-destructivemeasurement tool to produce correction factors for standardizing the diameter of irregular stems at a reference height which is a key issue in tree growthmonitoring and biomass change estimation.

Research Center/Unit :

Center for International Forestry Research

Disciplines :

Environmental sciences & ecology

Author, co-author :

Bauwens, Sébastien ; Université de Liège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Gestion des ressources forestières et des milieux naturels

Fayolle, Adeline ; Université de Liège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Gestion des ressources forestières et des milieux naturels

Gourlet-Fleury, Sylvie

Ndjele, Léopold

Mengal, Coralie ; Université de Liège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Gestion des ressources forestières et des milieux naturels

Lejeune, Philippe ; Université de Liège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Gestion des ressources forestières et des milieux naturels

Language :

English

Title :

Terrestrial photogrammetry: a non-destructive method for modelling irregularly shaped tropical tree trunks

Alternative titles :

[fr] La photogrammétrie terrestre: approche non destructive pour modéliser la forme des troncs irréguliers d'arbres tropicaux

Publication date :

October 2016

Journal title :

Methods in Ecology and Evolution

eISSN :

2041-210X

Publisher :

Wiley, New Jersey, United States

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Name of the research project :

DynaFfor, PreREDD

Funders :

FFEM - Fonds Français pour l'Environnement Mondial
Banque Mondiale

Available on ORBi :

since 08 February 2017

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