title: Innovative LIDAR 3D Dynamic Measurement System to estimate fruit-tree leaf area.
abstract: In this work, a LIDAR-based 3D Dynamic Measurement System is presented and evaluated for the geometric characterization of tree crops. Using this measurement system, trees were scanned from two opposing sides to obtain two three-dimensional point clouds. After registration of the point clouds, a simple and easily obtainable parameter is the number of impacts received by the scanned vegetation. The work in this study is based on the hypothesis of the existence of a linear relationship between the number of impacts of the LIDAR sensor laser beam on the vegetation and the tree leaf area. Tests performed under laboratory conditions using an ornamental tree and, subsequently, in a pear tree orchard demonstrate the correct operation of the measurement system presented in this paper. The results from both the laboratory and field tests confirm the initial hypothesis and the 3D Dynamic Measurement System is validated in field operation. This opens the door to new lines of research centred on the geometric characterization of tree crops in the field of agriculture and, more specifically, in precision fruit growing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agro-forestry Engineering, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain. rsanz@eagrof.udl.cat
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanz-Cortiella
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Llorens-Calveras
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Escolà
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arnó-Satorra
authors.forename: Manel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ribes-Dasi
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Masip-Vilalta
authors.forename: Ferran
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Camp
authors.forename: Felip
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gràcia-Aguilá
authors.forename: Francesc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Solanelles-Batlle
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Planas-DeMartí
authors.forename: Tomàs
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pallejà-Cabré
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Palacin-Roca
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gregorio-Lopez
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Del-Moral-Martínez
authors.forename: Joan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Rosell-Polo
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D000465:Algorithms; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005638:Fruit / Q000502:physiology*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000502:physiology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D014197:Trees / Q000502:physiology*