The project will develop a comprehensive methodology to remotely quantify forest diversity in the Harvard Forest CTFS-ForestGEO plot by integrating remotely sensed spectral data and structural information with field-based inventories. Leveraging the strengths of both unpersonned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing and ground measurements of trees, we aim to link remotely sensed metrics with ecological dimensions of forest diversity, thereby improving our ability to observe, monitor, and understand biodiversity patterns at scale.
To achieve this, we will conduct repeated UAV flights over the CTFS plot using a DJI Matrice 350 equipped with a hyperspectral imaging system and LiDAR. Flights will follow overlapping grid patterns (~50% sidelap) at ~75?m altitude to achieve a ground sampling distance (GSD) of