Application of the terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) for dendrometric analyses of a Douglas fir stand (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) in Southern Italy

In recent years, the implementation of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technologies in forestry has significantly improved forest inventory methods, enabling rapid and accurate assessments of forest stand structure. Among these advancements, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) provides high-resolution data for fine structural characterization of forest ecosystems. This study presents an applied case of TLS-based forest assessment in an artificial Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) stand in southern Italy, focusing on the development of a site-specific volume table. By leveraging a non-destructive approach, TLS facilitated the accurate estimation of key dendrometric variables, including diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and volume. The comparison between traditional dendrometric surveys and TLS-derived measurements demonstrated high accuracy and reproducibility, significantly reducing subjectivity in forest measurements. The site-specific volume equation showed a strong correlation (R² = 0.9735) with national yield tables, confirming the reliability of TLS-based estimates. This study highlights the growing importance of TLS in modern forest management. Its integration into forest inventory protocols, even at local scales, enhances data-driven decision-making, supports sustainable resource utilization, and optimizes stand monitoring and planning processes. While TLS proves highly effective in localized applications, its broader implementation could contribute to large-scale forest monitoring, fostering the transition toward a more innovative, sustainable, and precise approach to forest management.