Introduction to the SALCA Diaries

We have just completed a twelve-month NERC-funded project to develop and test a full-waveform multispectral terrestrial laser scanner for characterising vegetation canopies. The project was part of the NERC’s Technology Proof of Concept Scheme and it enabled us to complete the build of the Salford Advanced Laser Canopy Analyser (SALCA), develop software for data analysis and carry out a series of laboratory-based calibration and validation experiments. Professor Philip Lewis and Dr Matt Disney from University College London were project partners and worked on a ray tracing model to simulate SALCA measurements. We have worked closely with Dr Guy Pearson (Halo Photonics Ltd) who built the laser scanner to our design and specifications and he continues to help with R and D aspects of the project.

The Salford Advanced Laser Canopy Analyser (SALCA)

Rachel has now moved to a lectureship at the University of Newcastle where she will continue to work on the SALCA experiments. On 1st April 2011 we started work on a NERC Small Grant project to carry out field trial of SALCA aimed at capturing forest canopy dynamics through weekly measurements in a range of forest stands at Delamere Forest, Cheshire. Oliver Gunawan is now working as an RA on the project and the SALCA diaries are designed to tell you what we are doing, to share the results and provide a forum for discussion. We hope you find it interesting.

Mark Danson and Rachel Gaulton

1 April 2011