SilviLaser 2008: Background and conference aims

 

Background

In recent years there has been rapid development and use of laser systems in inventorying, assessing, and monitoring of forests. Applications of laser technology have included the estimation of forest biophysical parameters (including carbon) at the individual tree or stand level as part of local, regional and even national forest inventory. In addition, laser data have been used to monitor forest change, model susceptibility to wind or fire damage, and map wildlife habitat.

Laser systems can operate on ground-based, airborne and satellite platforms. They are categorised as scanning or profiling systems supplying range or waveform information per laser pulse. This distinction is, however, becoming increasingly blurred as laser systems evolve.

SilviLaser 2008 will be the 8th international conference in a series focussing on applications of laser systems for forest assessment and inventory.

Previous conferences have taken place in Canada, Australia, Sweden, Germany, USA, Japan and Finland. 

Conference aims

SilviLaser 2008 aims to bring together research scientists and practitioners from around the world to share their experience in the development and application of LiDAR for forest assessment and inventory. We strongly encourage presentations across all forms of laser system, from all possible platforms, and across a full range of forest applications.

The conference will discuss the state-of-the-art in laser systems and data processing techniques in order to meet a range of information needs. The conference aims to encourage new and stronger linkages between LiDAR practitioners, and in particular between researchers, data providers and end-users of derived products.