This terrestrial LiDAR dataset captures detailed vegetation structural information at the Wombat Stringybark Eucalypt SuperSite in the Wombat State Forest, near Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. The purpose of this data is to enhance understanding of vegetation dynamics and ecosystem function in the region. The dataset is part of a broader collection of Terrestrial LiDAR data acquired from all TERN SuperSites, aimed at achieving a standardized and highly detailed capture of 3D vegetation structure across Australia.

Terrestrial laser scans were acquired in native Eucalypt Open Forest (dry sclerophyll Box-Ironbark forest) in Victoria, Australia. Two plots (RUSH06 and RUSH07) with a 40 m radius were established in Rushworth forest and partially harvested in May 2012 to acquire accurate estimates of above-ground biomass. The main tree species in these plots were Eucalyptus leucoxylon, Eucalyptus microcarpa and Eucalyptus tricarpa. Single trees were extracted from the TLS data and quantitative structure models were used to estimate the tree volume directly from the point cloud data. Above-ground biomass (AGB) was inferred from the derived volumes and basic wood density information, and compared with estimates of above-ground biomass derived from allometric equations and destructive sampling. See <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12301">Calders et al. (2014)</a> and <a href="http://www.vcccar.org.au/publication/final-report/comprehensive-carbon-assessment-program">Murphy et al. (2014)</a> for further information.

<p>Ground lidar, also known as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), is a ranging instrument that provides detailed 3D measurements directly related to the quantity and distribution of plant materials in the canopy. This dataset contains raw instrument data and ancillary data for numerous sites across northern and eastern Australia from 2012 onwards. Scans have been collected using two Riegl VZ400 waveform recording TLS instruments. One is co-owned and operated by the Remote Sensing Centre, Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) and the TERN Auscover Brisbane Node, University of Queensland. The second is owned and operated by Wageningen University, Netherlands.</p> <p>Data can be accessed from https://field.jrsrp.com/ by selecting the combinations Field, Ground Lidar. Raw data are accessible by selecting individual locations on the map and then clicking on the TLS scan directory link on the right hand site of the screen. </p>