Forest Inventory Services: LiDAR Digital Inventory, Ground Plot Programs, and Carbon Inventory Across North America

ITI measures every tree individually using LiDAR, segmentation, and machine learning — species, height, diameter, and crown metrics for each tree. Enhanced stand-level inventory uses area-based LiDAR modeling calibrated with ground plots to produce area based attributes (volume per hectare, average height, species composition) across a wall-to-wall coverage. ITI is more precise for high-value stands where log products need to be identified. Enhanced stand-level is more cost-effective for large-area programs where stand-level averages are sufficient.

Yes, with the right calibration data and validated methodology. A LiDAR-based inventory when properly executed, will better capture variability across the forest than plot sampling because the entire forest is scanned.  This wall-to-wall, high spatial resolution product effectively eliminates sampling error from that part of the inventory process. A Digital Inventory™ will not capture tree defect like ground measurements, but it more than makes up for that by measuring >80% of the trees across a land base compared to a traditional <5% sample.

When properly calibrated against measured plot data, LiDAR-based inventory produces estimates with accuracy surpassing intensive ground-based sampling, and with published error bounds at the stand level that traditional sampling often cannot provide at the same spatial coverage. Typical RMSE for total volume per area in managed conifer stands ranges from 10–20% for the population, compared to a traditional confidence error of 10-20% for only the mean. Error estimates are reported with every deliverable so clients can assess confidence levels directly.

Yes. Forsite has delivered polygon inventories accepted across multiple western Canadian jurisdictions. Our polygons are derived from enhanced stand-level or individual-tree data and formatted to meet VRI or other inventory standards. We document the derivation methodology so reviewing agencies can assess the data lineage.

Deliverables depend on the method and program scope. Standard deliverables include: spatial data layers (polygon and raster formats), attribute tables with all measured and modeled variables, error estimate tables by stratum and stand, a technical methodology report, and a calibration data summary. For Digital Inventory® programs, outputs are also available through the ForestView® platform. We agree on deliverable formats at program scoping.

Yes. We design and deliver Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI) permanent sample plot programs for growth calibration, carbon accounting, and certification requirements. For carbon programs, we structure plot designs and measurement protocols to meet the specific requirements of the program your project is registered under — whether voluntary or compliance. Plot data can be integrated with Digital Inventory® outputs for comprehensive carbon stock and change accounting.

LiDAR-based methods reduce the ground access burden significantly — wall-to-wall coverage is achieved from the air, and ground crews are deployed for calibration plots rather than full cruise coverage. For terrain where even calibration access is limited, we design statistically valid sampling strategies that minimize ground effort while maintaining the precision levels the program requires. We have delivered programs in remote BC, Alberta, and northwestern U.S. terrain.