Field plot measures and predictive map products for "Regression modeling and mapping of coniferous forest basal area and tree density from discrete-return lidar and multispectral satellite data"

This data publication contains lidar, advanced land imagery, geographic and tree data for 26 different predictor variables used in the modeling and mapping of basal area and tree density across two diverse coniferous forest landscapes in north-central Idaho. It also contains the Arc/INFO GRID raster format 30-meter-resolution maps for both study areas showing predicted basal area and tree density.
These data were collected in order to produce precise maps of ground elevation, canopy height, basal area, and volume to benefit forest managers. We strive to make maps with accuracies surpassing those of maps made using traditional cruise methods, and believe that high precision and spatial density of lidar data offers opportunities for improvement upon traditional forest management practices.
These data are directly associated with the publication "Regression modeling and mapping of coniferous forest basal area and tree density from discrete-return lidar and multispectral satellite data" shown in the cross-reference section. Original metadata date was 11/15/2010. Metadata modified on 04/25/2011 to adjust citation to include the addition of a DOI (digital object identifier). Minor metadata updates on 02/20/2013. Minor metadata updates on 12/19/2016.