Object-based image analysis and LiDAR provide tools for tree canopy assessment for greener cities

Assessing Urban Tree Canopy for Greener Cities


An increasing number of urban planners and local authorities want to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption and ease storm water flows in their cities. A sufficient number of healthy trees is essential to
achieving these ambitious goals.

Researchers at the University of Vermont, working in conjunction with the U.S. Forestry Service, utilized eCognition to develop an application that assesses and quantifies urban tree canopies (UTC). By integrating data from aerial photos, LiDAR and taxation maps, the application determines the tree canopy coverage in urban areas, quantifying how much tree cover is on public land and how much is on private land. Major U.S. cities already use this information to accurately quantify the amount of potential additional tree canopy.