The development of a digital image scanner and image processing system for the measurement of growing plantation trees

This paper reports on a major project in applied digital image processing systems engineering. The project is referred to as the TreeScan project and is concerned with the on-site, precision, non-contact measurement of a range of features including the volume and form of growing pine trees. In New Zealand, a typical mature plantation forest pine tree is over 35 m tall and 0.5 m in diameter at the base, the terrain is also rough and rugged. In 1996 each mature tree was worth about NZ$300 which is equivalent to about 130 pounds sterling. Following a brief background to the commissioning of the project, the initial system specifications are reviewed. A description of the TreeScan system as finally engineered is followed by more detailed consideration of aspects of the system and its calibration and evaluation.