Although this is similar to results seen in other work, canopy height cannot be predicted with accuracy from these relationships. However, the use of laser altimetry in this study provided two important advantages. The lidar data created a unique opportunity to incorporate data at a scale similar to the orbital data. This contrasts with allometric measurements of forest canopies, which usually cover areas much smaller than satellite image pixels. These advantages can be explored in future work by comparing reflectance to both lidar and ground data in a variety of locations, indicating where the use of lidar may provide measurements of forest canopy structure that are more complementary to satellite remote sensing.
Laser altimeter waveform measurement of vegetation canopy structure.
University of Virginia. Foliage profile by vertical measurements. Vertical profile and canopy organization in a mixed deciduous forest.