Enhancing High-Resolution Forest Stand Mean Height Mapping in China through an Individual Tree-Based Approach with Close-Range LiDAR Data

We have developed a tree-based approach to create spatially continuous forest stand mean height maps across China through integrating high-point density, high-precision close-range LiDAR data and multisource remote sensing data. The accuracy analysis of the arithmetic mean height (Ha) and the weighted mean height (Hw) demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method. A practical framework for forestry investigation based on close-range LiDAR was proposed. The mean values of Ha and Hw are 13.3 ± 3.3 m 11.3 ± 2.9 m on pixel level, respectively. Validation based on LiDAR and field sample data shows that the RMSE values, range from 2.6 to 4.1 m for Ha and  2.9 to 4.3 m for Hw, respectively, indicating that our approach outperforms existing forest canopy height maps derived from area-based approaches. Hopefully, our methods and maps will serve as a foundation for estimating carbon storage, monitoring changes in forest structure, managing forest inventory, and assessing wildlife habitat availability.