Mangrove Crown Diameter Measurement from Airborne Lidar Data using Marker-controlled Watershed Algorithm: Exploring Performance

This paper is directed towards the enhancement of the marker-controlled watershed algorithm in estimating the crown diameter of mangrove in the Philippines. In this study, an experimental design that uses the marker-controlled watershed algorithm in segmenting mangrove trees and measures it's crown diameter from the extracted region was implemented. The study aims to explore the performance of the marker-controlled watershed algorithm in terms of discriminating Rhizophora with other non-mangrove, and its accuracy in estimating mangrove crown diameter from airborne LiDAR data. The study is part of the goal of the Technological Institute of the Philippines MRSUAVE team in developing a process and method that aims to support the protection and use of mangrove trees in the Philippines. The project is funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities grant (DARETO) and by USAID Protect Wildlife Project.