The SALCA diaries

Vegetation structure is important for measuring forest growth and the carbon cycle. Developed by the University of Salford and Halo Photonics Ltd, the Salford Advanced Laser Canopy Analyser (SALCA) is a unique multi-spectral, full waveform laser scanner using two wavelengths allowing distinction between leaves and woody material. This blog follows our research funded by the UK NERC and involving University of Newcastle, University College London and UK Forest Research.

Tuesday 28 July 2015

Assessing tree condition with University of Lancaster

A new research collaboration with the University of Lancaster saw SALCA measuring trees at a test site near Silverdale in Lancashire. Jon Murray, a second year PhD researcher, supervised by Dr Alan Blackburn, is testing the use of TLS for assessing tree condition. He has used a Riegl system so far and now with the help of Mark and Fadal he will test the use of data from the dual-wavelength full-waveform SALCA instrument. Look out for results in the near future.

Jon Murray (U of Lancaster) and Fadal Sasse (U of Salford) measure an Oak in "good condition" with SALCA

Tuesday 28 July 2015

Assessing tree condition with University of Lancaster

University of salford