crossing3dforest: an R package for evaluating empty space structure in forest ecosystems

Abstract

O_LITraditionally, forest structure is mostly described by vegetative elements; however, the complementary empty space also contributes to the forest spatial structure. C_LIO_LIWe developed an R package (crossing3dforest) to support the entire processing of Terrestrial Laser Scanning point clouds to quantify the size, shape, and connectivity of empty spaces within the mid and low strata of forest stands, using an approach based on the percolation theory. The package functions, which are designed for step-by-step single stand analysis, can be executed sequentially in a pipeline. C_LIO_LIA case study is presented to demonstrate the crossing3dforest potentials for characterising the forest empty space architecture. TLS point clouds collected in ten different pure beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands, representative of five distinct forest management regimes, were analysed and characterised. C_LIO_LIThe adopted empty space approach can be integrated into forest structural analysis to identify animal-habitat associations and establish appropriate habitat structure for wildlife management. C_LI Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=173 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/526548v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (45K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1235647org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@f56364org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@503ab9org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13f8043_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG