Prediction of L-band signal attenuation in forests using 3D vegetation structure from airborne LiDAR
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Lui, Pang-Wei
Lee, Heezin
Judge, Jasmeet
Wright, William C.
Slatton, K. Clint
Issue Date
2011
Type
journal-article
Language
Keywords
Light Detection and Ranging
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this study, we propose a novel method to predict microwave attenuation in forested areas by using airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). While propagating through a vegetative medium, microwave signals suffer from reflection, absorption, and scattering within vegetation, which cause signal attenuation and, consequently, deteriorate signal reception and information interpretation. A Fresnel zone enveloping the radio frequency line-of-sight is applied to segment vegetation structure occluding signal propagation. Return parameters and the spatial distribution of vegetation from the airborne LiDAR inside Fresnel zones are used to weight the laser points to estimate directional vegetation structure. A Directional Vegetation Density (DVD) model is developed through regression that links the vegetation structure to the signal attenuation at the L-band using GPS observations in a mixed forest in North Central Florida. The DVD model is compared with currently-used empirical models and obtained better R2 values of 0.54 than the slab-based models. Finally, the model is evaluated by comparing with GPS observations of signal attenuation. An overall root mean square error of 3.51 dB and a maximum absolute error of 9.38 dB are found. Sophisticated classification algorithms and full-waveform LiDAR systems may significantly improve the estimation of signal attenuation.
Description
Citation
Liu et al., “Prediction of L-Band Signal Attenuation in Forests Using 3D Vegetation Structure from Airborne LiDAR.”
Publisher
ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
0924-2716