GoPro forest: creating a digital forest twin

Abstract

Terrestrial Structure from Motion photogrammetry images were used to create a digital 3D twin of several forest areas. The aim was to evaluate whether this method can calculate the existing biomass and stored carbon. Instead of an expensive laser scanning device, a GoPro camera was used. The project served to learn how to use the camera and software for digital data acquisition in forests. Using GoPro images, 3D twins were created and the forest stand was compared with conventional methods. An average value per square meter was calculated in four test areas and scaled up to one hectare. The results of the digital point clouds with Agisoft Metashape and ReCap Pro were compared with conventional images. Agisoft Metashape achieved an agreement of 82.5% and ReCap Pro 87.5%.