Effect of sample size on the estimation of forest inventory attributes using airborne LiDAR data in large-scale subtropical areas

Key messageSample size (number of plots) may significantly affect the accuracy of forest attribute estimations using airborne LiDAR data in large-scale subtropical areas. In general, the accuracy of all models improves with increasing sample size. However, the improvement in estimation accuracy varies across forest attributes and forest types. Overall, a larger sample size is required to estimate the stand volume (VOL), while a smaller sample size is required to estimate the mean diameter at breast height (DBH). Broad-leaved forests require a smaller sample size than Chinese fir forests.ContextSample size is an essential factor affecting the cost of LiDAR-assisted forest resource inventory. Therefore, investigating the minimum sample size required to achieve acceptable accuracy for airborne LiDAR-based forest attribute estimation can help improve cost efficiency and optimize technical schemes.AimsThe aims were to assess the optimal sample size to estimate the VOL, basal area, mean height, and DBH in stands dominated by Cunninghamia lanceolate, Pinus massoniana, Eucalyptus spp., and other broad-leaved species in a large subtropical area using airborne LiDAR data.MethodsStatistical analyses were performed on the differences in LiDAR metrics between different sample sizes and the total number of plots, as well as on the field-measured attributes. The relative root mean square error (rRMSE) and the determination coefficient (R2) of multiplicative power models with different sample sizes were compared. The logistic regression between the coefficient of variation of the rRMSE and the sample size was established, and the minimum sample size was determined using a threshold of less than 10% for the coefficient of variation.ResultsAs the sample sizes increased, we found a decrease in the mean rRMSE and an increase in the mean R2, as well as a decrease in the standard deviation of the LiDAR metrics and field-measured attributes. Sample sizes for Chinese fir, pine, eucalyptus, and broad-leaved forests should be over 110, 80, 85, and 60, respectively, in a practical airborne LiDAR-based forest inventory.ConclusionThe accuracy of all forest attribute estimations improved as the sample size increased across all forest types, which could be attributed to the decreasing variations of both LiDAR metrics and field-measured attributes.