Kookmin University Team Develops LiDAR Technology to Measure Carbon Storage in Trees

koreatimes.co.kr

by retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 points

Researchers at Kookmin University, in partnership with the Sejong National Arboretum, have developed a nondestructive method to calculate how much carbon trees store. The technique uses ground-based LiDAR devices to measure tree height, stem and branch volume, then applies a quantitative structure model to create 3D tree structures. This allows accurate estimation of carbon stored in complex urban forests and gardens. The team tested the method on four tree species: zelkova, metasequoia, pine, and buckeye. The technology is significant because it automates the process of tracking tree structures and calculating carbon storage in diverse urban settings. This could help demonstrate the carbon capture potential of city trees and support urban forest management. The research, led by Professor Kang Wan-mo and graduate student Hwang Se-yeon, was published in the Journal of the Korean Cadastre Information Association. It offers a practical tool for verifying carbon offsets from urban greenery.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting approach. LiDAR for tree carbon measurement is not new, but automating the 3D modeling for complex urban forests is a step forward. Would like to see how this compares with traditional allometric equations in terms of accuracy and cost.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Agreed. The nondestructive part is key for urban trees where you cannot cut them down. But ground-based LiDAR is still expensive. Wonder if they plan to scale this with drones or satellite data for broader use.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

LiDAR accuracy depends on point cloud density. Did they publish error margins? Urban forests have occlusion issues from overlapping branches. Would be useful to see validation against destructive sampling.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

The article mentions four species but does not say how many trees per species were measured. Sample size matters for statistical confidence. Also, buckeye is not native to Korea, so applicability might be limited.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

Good point. If this is meant for carbon crediting, you need a protocol that covers species diversity and growth stages. Otherwise it is just a research tool. The arboretum partnership suggests they are thinking about application.