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https://doi.org/10.2...arrow_drop_down
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6...
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Scalable Inverse Allometry for UAS Forestry: Utilizing National Forest Inventory Datasets to Predict Diameter from Drone-Derived Heights and Tree Density

Authors: Scudder, Micah;

Scalable Inverse Allometry for UAS Forestry: Utilizing National Forest Inventory Datasets to Predict Diameter from Drone-Derived Heights and Tree Density

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have revolutionized forest mapping, yet the direct measurement of diameter at breast height (DBH) remains a significant "bottleneck" for remote-sensing-based forest inventories. This study developed a robust, three-tiered allometric engine to predict DBH using only tree height (HT) and stand density (TPA) derived from Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data across the Western United States. Utilizing a dataset of 27,822 trees, species-specific master equations were calibrated for 21 species, followed by geographic adjustment factors across four EcoRegions and a non-parametric bias correction layer for large-diameter cohorts. Results indicated high model performance, with Adjusted R 2 values reaching 0.87 for several species and polynomial architectures emerging as the superior fit for 62% of the species studied. Regional analysis revealed significant allometric plasticity, with adjustment factors requiring shifts of up to 13.3% to account for environmental variability. Notably, the non-parametric correction successfully mitigated a systematic under-prediction of over 10 inches in old-growth cohorts (>35"), where radial growth persists despite height stagnation. By providing a mathematical bridge between canopy metrics and ground-level diameter, this framework enables the automation of volume, biomass, and carbon estimation, offering a scalable path toward high-frequency, low-cost precision forestry.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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