Classification of forest stands according to structure heterogeneity using aerial photography and objectbased methods
Abstract
The aim of the presented work carried out in the Haragistya-Lófej forest reserve (Aggtelek Mts) area was to classify structurally different forest stands using object-based image analysis methods, and to validate the classes using ground truth data. I used eCognition software and an UltraCam D aerial photo from 2007 in order to differentiate between structurally homogeneous and heterogeneous stands. The resulting two classes were compared with groups created on the basis of multivariate statistical analysis carried out on stand structural data and with some background variables like age and forest type. The two classes created solely on the basis of object-based image analysis showed a significant relation to structural, age and species composition groups as well. When I used measured field variables and indicators to test the separability of the two classes, I got an accuracy of 75,6%. The most significant variables in separating the classes were the number of trees with a dbh>30 cm, stand height, standard variation of the dbh and species number.
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