Modeling Local Vapor Pressure Deficit Using Drone-based Photogrammetry Data

This dataset supports the research article, "Local atmospheric vapor pressure deficit as a microclimate index to assess tropical rainforest riparian restoration success." It contains Photogrammetry-derived point cloud data (.las files) representing 3D forest structure from 30 plots across five riparian restoration stages. The dataset also includes R code used for processing this point-cloud data to extract key forest structural metrics (provided in code metrics.extraction.las), R code for modeling and mapping vapor pressure deficit (VPD) using these metrics, and field-collected microclimatic data (provided as plot.data.xlsx), and the resulting VPD model (code, model). In addition, all data collected in the field to allow comparing microclimate between sites are available in (data.xlsx).

These data allow for comprehensive analysis and replication of the study's findings.

Research Hypothesis:
Riparian forest restoration success in tropical rainforests can be quantified using vapor pressure deficit (VPD) as a microclimate indicator. Higher VPD values indicate lower restoration success due to increased stress on vegetation. Forest structure, measurable through photogrammetry, significantly influences VPD.

The data demonstrates a strong negative correlation between forest structure (particularly height metrics like the 50th and 75th percentiles of height distribution) and VPD. Old-growth forests exhibit significantly lower VPD values than younger, restored forests, highlighting the role of mature forest canopies in buffering VPD. Early-stage restoration sites show consistently higher VPD, exceeding a threshold (1.0 kPa) associated with negative impacts on ecosystem functioning.

Notable Findings:
VPD as a Restoration Indicator: VPD effectively differentiates restoration stages and is a reliable indicator of restoration success.
Forest Structure's Role: The study quantifies the strong influence of forest structure on VPD, showing that taller, denser canopies effectively buffer VPD, leading to more stable microclimatic conditions.
Spatial Mapping: Spatial VPD mapping, enabled by photogrammetry, offers valuable insights for targeted interventions in forest management.
Canopy Buffering: Mature forests exhibit a significantly higher capacity to buffer VPD fluctuations compared to younger forests, which can be used to inform restoration strategies and site selection.

The findings support the hypothesis that VPD, in combination with photogrammetrically derived forest structural metrics, can effectively assess forest restoration success. Spatial mapping enables more precise targeting of restoration activities and enhances site selection and adaptive management strategies based on the microclimatic conditions of specific areas.

本数据集支持研究论文《局部大气水汽压亏缺作为热带雨林河岸带恢复成效的微气候指标》。数据集包含由航空摄影测量技术生成的点云数据（.las 文件），代表来自五个河岸带恢复阶段的30个样地的三维森林结构。此外，数据集还包括用于处理这些点云数据以提取关键森林结构指标（如代码 metrics.extraction.las 所示）的 R 代码，用于基于这些指标建模和绘制水汽压亏缺（VPD）的 R 代码，以及现场收集的微气候数据（以 plot.data.xlsx 的形式提供），以及生成的 VPD 模型（代码、模型）。此外，所有现场收集的数据均以 (data.xlsx) 的形式提供，以便比较不同地点的微气候。这些数据允许对研究结果的全面分析和复制。

研究假设：热带雨林河岸带恢复的成效可以通过水汽压亏缺（VPD）作为微气候指标进行量化。较高的 VPD 值表明恢复成效较低，因为植被承受的压力增加。通过摄影测量技术可测量的森林结构对 VPD 产生显著影响。

数据表明，森林结构（尤其是高度分布的 50th 和 75th 百分位数等高度指标）与 VPD 之间存在强烈的负相关关系。与较年轻的恢复森林相比，原生森林表现出显著较低的水汽压亏缺值，突显了成熟森林冠层在缓解 VPD 方面的作用。早期恢复阶段的场地表现出持续较高的 VPD，超过了与生态系统功能负面影响相关的阈值（1.0 kPa）。

重要发现：
VPD 作为恢复指标：VPD 有效地区分了恢复阶段，是恢复成效的可靠指标。
森林结构的作用：研究量化了森林结构对 VPD 的强烈影响，表明较高的、密集的冠层有效地缓解了 VPD，从而导致了更加稳定的微气候条件。
空间制图：借助摄影测量技术实现的空间 VPD 制图，为森林管理中的针对性干预提供了宝贵见解。
冠层缓冲：与较年轻的森林相比，成熟森林显示出显著更高的缓冲 VPD 波动的能力，这可以用来指导恢复策略和场地选择。

研究结果支持假设，即 VPD 与通过摄影测量技术获得的森林结构指标相结合，可以有效地评估森林恢复成效。空间制图使恢复活动的精准定位成为可能，并基于特定区域的微气候条件，增强了场地选择和适应性管理策略。