Limber Pine Habitat Model Using LiDAR Topography

A 2015-2016 habitat model for Limber Pine was developed under contract for Alberta Forestry and Parks. It incorporates variables like elevation, aspect, slope, landscape mesotopography, and LiDAR-derived canopy height, with a 1m² pixel resolution where LiDAR coverage existed. Accuracy was assessed against field observations, with detailed township-level reports available.

Use Cases

• Predict Limber Pine habitat suitability using elevation, aspect, slope, and mesotopography variables.
• Analyze the relationship between LiDAR-derived canopy height and modeled habitat presence.
• Validate model accuracy against field observation data, with township-level assessment available.
• Apply the 1m² resolution LiDAR data layers for high-resolution ecological landscape analysis.

Strengths

• Model accuracy was formally assessed against field observation data.
• LiDAR data provides 1m² pixel resolution for detailed terrain and canopy analysis.
• Includes specific topographic variables like mesotopography (e.g., ridge, upper slope).

Limitations

• The underlying dataset's total spatial extent and sample size are not specified.
• Data is from a 2015-2016 project, which may not reflect current forest conditions.
• Detailed accuracy data is only available by township and upon request.

Provenance

Source

Government of Alberta, produced under contract for Alberta Forestry and Parks, Forest Management Branch.

Collection Method

Modeling using LiDAR-derived variables (elevation, aspect, slope, mesotopography, canopy height) and field observation validation.

Time Range

2015-2016

Freshness

Last platform update was 2026-03-04, but underlying data is from 2015-2016.

Geography

Alberta, Canada (specific townships within LiDAR coverage areas).