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Collecting and Processing Drone-based Remotely Sensed Data for Use in Forest Recovery Monitoring
Published on: October 24, 2025
Laser scanning measurements on trees for logging harvesting operations
Yili Zheng1, Jinhao Liu, Dian Wang
1School of Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China. zhengyili@bjfu.edu.cn
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a new method using 2D laser scanners and algorithms to automatically align logging harvester heads with tree trunks. This automation improves operational efficiency and reduces fuel consumption in forestry operations.
Area of Science:
- Forestry Engineering
- Robotics
- Computer Vision
Background:
- Modern logging harvesters require significant operator intervention for trunk alignment, leading to inefficiencies.
- Time and fuel are lost due to manual observation, judgment, and repeated operations during trunk capture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance logging operation efficiency and reduce costs.
- To develop an automated trunk alignment system for logging harvesters.
Main Methods:
- Collected point clouds of standing trees using a low-cost 2D laser scanner.
- Employed cluster extracting and filtering algorithms for trunk classification.
- Utilized the Fletcher-Reeves conjugate gradient algorithm with Attitude and Heading Reference System data to calculate trunk radii and center locations, assuming circular cross-sections.
Main Results:
- Successfully calculated trunk radii and center locations from point cloud data.
- Validated the method through experiments in an aspen forest.
- Demonstrated optimized calculation time compared to previous research.
Conclusions:
- The developed method enables automated trunk capturing by the harvesting head.
- This automation has the potential to significantly improve logging operations.
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