Assessment of Tree Diameter Estimation Methods from Mobile Laser Scanning in a Historic Garden

Mobile laser scanning (MLS) with simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology demonstrates high efficiency and accuracy for tree diameter at breast height (DBH) estimation in historic gardens, offering a promising tool for cultural heritage management. A study conducted in the UNESCO-listed Island Garden of Aranjuez, Spain, found that the Monte Carlo fitting algorithm outperformed RANSAC and Optimal Circle methods, achieving 77% accurate DBH estimates with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 5.31 cm and minimal bias (1.23 cm). The methodology enabled rapid data acquisition (27 minutes for 2.38 hectares), combining supervised tree detection with automated diameter estimation. This approach significantly advances the use of MLS in forest inventories and conservation efforts, providing a robust framework for managing complex historic landscapes.

Pérez-Martín, E., López-Cuervo Medina, S., Herrero-Tejedor, T., Pérez-Souza, M. A., Aguirre de Mata, J., & Ezquerra-Canalejo, A. (2021). Assessment of Tree Diameter Estimation Methods from Mobile Laser Scanning in a Historic Garden. Forests, 12(8), 1013. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12081013