So you want to use LiDAR? - A guide on how to use LiDAR in forestry

A guide providing information regarding the use of Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) in New Zealand forestry is presented. It includes making sure that a supplier has a Near Infra Red (NIR) laser and a multi-return capability. Basal area (BA) and Total Standing Volume (TSV) are inferred from a model based on the structural metrics found from the LiDAR point cloud. FUSION, a free LiDAR analysis tool from the US Forest Service, is good method to correlate the plot data without directly dealing with the data. Converting whole LiDAR datasets into raw point coordinates is a fast track to 'Out of Memory' errors and overnight runs. LiDAR offers benefits such as roading, harvest planning, inventory, management, and reduced field work.