Amazon Forest Tree Geometry and Canopy Measurements from 2000

Cauxi, Para, Brazil is the location for this dataset of canopy measurements from an undisturbed eastern Amazon forest. The NASA-led LBA-ECO project collected data during a one-time field event in 2000, using a hand-held laser range finder and manual DBH measurements. It includes parameters like Crown Width, Crown Depth, Tree Height, and DBH, and was compared to a contemporaneous IKONOS satellite image for validation.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived canopy dimensions (e.g., Crown Width, Crown Depth) against ground-based laser and manual measurements.
• Modeling forest structure and biomass using Tree Height and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) parameters.
• Analyzing the geometry of an undisturbed Amazon forest canopy within a defined 600 x 600 meter block.

Strengths

• Includes direct field measurements from a 50-hectare survey area within the Amazon.
• Provides a cross-comparison between ground-based data and a high-resolution IKONOS satellite image from November 2000.

Limitations

• Data quality is flagged as having issues, with missing metadata and incomplete documentation that diminishes usability. Exact row counts and column details are unavailable from all sources.
• Lacks precise geolocation data; coordinates for the study site, transects, and individual trees were not provided.
• The referenced IKONOS satellite image is not available for distribution due to restrictions.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) LBA-ECO project.

Collection Method

Field measurements using a hand-held laser range finder and manual DBH determination, compared to IKONOS satellite data analysis.

Time Range

2000

Freshness

2026-03-13 00:57:45.090668

Geography

Cauxi, Para, Brazil (eastern Amazon forest).