The Qiu lab demonstrated the terrestrial LiDAR during a Duke Forest research tour

Adapted from the news story from here: Our lab is experimenting with computer vision to build a digital forest, using a 360-degree scan of the forest at a resolution of 5 mm that allows the research team to zoom in on individual branches and even distinguish seeds from surrounding leaves. Beyond measuring seed production, the digital forest has broader applications. The instrument can scan the forest up to 800 meters to create a digital map, producing detailed spatial maps. These digital reconstructions can help scientists study everything from habitat complexity to how trees allocate resources for growth and reproduction.