R code and data for "Forest structural-complexity metrics derived from aerial lidar across four Experimental Forests"

Forest structure is often managed to improve wildlife habitat and to reduce wildfire risk, yet data that characterize structural complexity are not always available in a spatial-resolution suitable for supporting data-driven decisions. To address this need, we used aerial laser scanning (ALS) to develop both raster- and vector-based geospatial data products that characterize various aspects of structure to support management and ongoing research collaborations at four Experimental Forests in the US Southeast. Gridded wall-to-wall products were mapped with a spatial resolution of 1 m². Vector-based products were mapped at the individual tree level and evaluated against inventory data.