Objective
Analysis of the three-dimensional tree structure with the help of laser scanners with the aim of detecting stress-induced changes in the individual tree structure (subproject from Digital Forest)

Content
Forests are complex systems that are influenced by multiple stress factors, which can have a negative impact on the health of the stand or the individual trees. This issue is becoming more and more important in present times. Therefore, it will be particularly important now and in the future to develop methods that make it possible to detect decline in tree vitality. Apart from physiological indicators, it can be assumed that structural changes in the architecture are also parameters for the vitality assessment of trees.
Structural changes in individual trees and stand structure are often described in practice by visual assessment of the crown in terms of bare patches, and by observation of branch dieback and bark loss. However, the disadvantages are the subjective assessment, limited reproducibility, and the need to involve experts in the process.
As methods for high-resolution measurement of tree and forest structure have improved significantly in recent years, it can be assumed that these techniques, especially laser scanning, will provide further opportunities for observing structural changes as a result of stress factors.
Within a sub-project of the "Digital Forest" project, modern laser scanning techniques will be used to create precise three-dimensional tree models in the leafy state based on monthly measurements in the field. The temporal changes in the crown structure will be studied using a wide variety of analysis methods, including fractal analysis.
In the end, the results of the study will be made available to the public in a virtual reality exhibition at the Forum Wissen Göttingen.


Appropriation period
15.03.2021 - 14.03.2024

Funded by
Volkswagen Foundation
Federal State of Lower Saxony

Cooperation partner
University of Leipzig
CBL (Centre of Biodiversity and sustainable Land Use)
FORUM WISSEN Göttingen

Project leadership
Dr. Dominik Seidel

Person(s) in charge
Marius Heidenreich

Publications
Heidenreich M, Seidel D (2022): Assessing forest vitality using 3D data on tree and forest structure: a case study from the Hainich National Park, Germany. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change-Temporal and Boreal Forests. DOI:10.3389/ffgc.2022.929106