Precision and efficiency of the inventory of teak plantations in ecuador by using terrestrial laser scanner

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and efficiency of the forest inventory method from using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) to determine dendrometric variables in teak plantations (Tectona grandis Linn. F.). Circular sampling plots of 500 m2 were established in three teak plantations located in the Coastal region of Ecuador. Traditional forest inventory (TFI) and TLS methods were used to determine several dendrometric variables (normal diameter, total height, and crown radius), also recording the work time necessary to complement the inventory of each plot. The estimates of the dasometric indices for each inventory method and the relative efficiency of TLS with respect to IFT were contrasted using statistical inference tests. The statistical tests did not detect significant differences between the two inventory methods in relation to both the measured dasometric variables and the working times recorded in each plot. The relative efficiency values showed some superiority of TLS method over TFI. Forest inventories of teak plantations based on TLS method is sufficiently accurate for estimating dasometric variables, being more efficient than traditional inventory.