TLSIIG Salford 2014 brought together 26 researchers from
around the world to discuss the technology and applications of TLS for
vegetation studies.
Day 1 started after lunch with a PechKucha-style introduction
from each of the groups. In all 13 groups presented their team and outlined
their interest in TLS research. ‘Technical Corner’ followed with presentations
from Mark Danson on SALCA and Brisbane
calibration, Zhan Li on DWEL data processing and software challenges, Kim Calders
on the Zeb-1 mobile laser scanner, Steve Hancock with an update on echo
detection algorithms, Ian Paynter on the new CBL device, John Armston with an
overview of Reigl TLS processing, and Mat Disney on the Riegl processing chain.
Day 2 focussed on progress with the TLSIIG Brisbane 2013
data processing and analysis and introduced some new group members – from UK
Forest Research, Finnish Geodetic Institute, Technological University of Tampere,
and University of Wageningen. After a lunch time demonstration of the highly
portable CBL TLS by University of Massachusetts Boston, and the completely
portable ZEB-1 by University of Wageningen , the afternoon break-out sessions
focused on identifying key priorities for TLS research. After a busy day the group was treated to a
traditional British curry evening in Manchester city centre.
Day 3 explored the opportunities for funding the work of the
group and was supported by the university of Salford Research and Innovation
Team. Opportunities in the EU Horizon 2020 programme was a key focus and the
discussions generated a wide range of ideas to bid for future funding. A pleasant sunny evening was spent at Salford
Quays where the group had a walking tour of the area and enjoyed some
well-earned refreshments.
On Day 4 some of the group visited Salford University’s forest
test site at Delamere Forest in Cheshire. Again the CBL team were quickly in
action scanning the Salford plots alongside the SALCA measurements being
undertaken at the site. Beat manager Richard Topley welcomed the group to Delamere in a Q and A
session over sandwiches and coffee, and then most of the group drove south to
Alice Holt, in Surrey.
Day 5 started with an introduction to UK Forest Research
by Peter Freer-Smith and then Eric Casella talked about how TLS methodologies can overcome limitations in estimating forest canopy gaps from conventional hemispherical photography. The group that took a walking tour (and more CBL scanning) of permanent test plots and three
sites where the destructive sampling of individual oak tree is planned for
early July. After a final pleasant lunch at a local pub, group members headed for home.
