TLSIIG at Salford University

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.