Comparison between Tree Species Classification based on Seasonal Color Change of Leaves and Defoliation Transition using Aerial Data and the Method of Airphoto Interpretation

Abstract

In this study, we examined to classify tree species in a mixed forest at Tama Forest Science Garden based on color change of leaves, defoliation transition during the leaf falling period, and stand structure. We used the time-series orthoscopic images generated from the seasonal aerial color photographs and time-series crown height data generated from the airborne laser scanner data obtained during the defoliation period. In addition, we tried to compare the classification result by the proposed method with the result of airphoto interpretation in order to examine the applicability of the proposed method. As a result, the proposed method was effective in detecting Castanopsis Sieboldii, Zelkova serrata, Quercus serrata, Cryptomeria japonica, and other tree species with substantial leaf color change. Furthermore, the proposed method was very useful for classifying tree species with different foliage time, such as Zelkova serrata and Quercus serrata, permitting planar understanding of the stand structure.