Whitebark Pine Habitat Model With LiDAR-Derived Canopy Height

A geospatial habitat model for Whitebark Pine in Alberta, created from LiDAR data with 1-square-meter pixel resolution. The model incorporates variables like elevation, aspect, slope, landscape mesotopography, and canopy height. It was produced under contract for Alberta Forestry and Parks in 2015-2016, with accuracy assessed against field observations.

Use Cases

• Predicting Whitebark Pine habitat suitability using variables like elevation, aspect, and slope from the model.
• Analyzing the relationship between canopy height, derived from LiDAR, and habitat quality for a threatened tree species.
• Validating model accuracy for specific townships using the provided field observation comparison data.
• Assessing landscape mesotopography features (e.g., ridge, upper slope) for their influence on species distribution.

Strengths

• High-resolution LiDAR data with 1-square-meter pixel resolution.
• Model accuracy is formally assessed and reported against field observation data.

Limitations

• Model is based on data from 2015-2016 and may not reflect current conditions.
• Detailed accuracy data by township is not directly included and must be requested.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Modeling using variables derived from LiDAR coverage and other geospatial data.

Time Range

2015-2016.

Freshness

Data last updated on the platform in March 2026, but underlying model is from 2015-2016.

Geography

Alberta, Canada.