Is handheld mobile scanner data operational for the evaluation of field performance of poplar clones?

This study focuses on the use of Hand-held Personal Laser Scanners (HLS) to assess individual-tree variables in poplar clone trials and develop an operational workflow for data gathering and processing. The study was conducted in a multiclonal field trial in Spain by measuring 337 poplar trees using a ZEB-Horizon HLS. The accuracy of the HLS estimations for diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height was evaluated by comparing them with reference field measurements. The results showed that the HLS data gathered both with and without leaves on the trees had an acceptable accuracy, with RMSE values of 0.85 cm (rRMSE=3.53%) and 0.94 cm (rRMSE=3.90%), respectively, for DBH, and RMSE values of 0.590 m (rRMSE = 2.68%) and 0.594 m (rRMSE=2.70%), respectively, for total height. The study also demonstrated the importance of including total height in the assessment of clone performance, as it provides additional meaningful information. Based on the findings, an operational workflow for using HLS in poplar clone trials is proposed, and various variables of interest that can be estimated using HLS data are identified. Overall, the HLS proved to be a suitable tool for evaluating the field performance of poplar clones, offering efficient data collection and accurate estimations of tree variables.