Estimating fractal dimensions of tree crowns in 3-D space based on structural relationships

作者：Zhu, Jiangang; Wang, Xiaoping; Chen, Junqi; Huang, Haofeng; Yang, Xiaohui^*

来源：The Forestry Chronicle, 2014, 90(2): 177-183.

DOI：10.5558/tfc2014-035

• fractal geometry
• branching
• foliage distribution
• structural relationships

Complex branching and irregular foliage distribution render the quantitative description of tree crowns a scientific and technological challenge. This study explores the use of fractal geometry to describe crowns. Based on the derivation of a classical model-the Sierpinski tetrahedron-a new method we call comprehensive structural relationships (CSR) is described for estimating fractal dimensions in 3-D space. All possible structural relationships were examined under the scale transformation and space expansion modes, resulting in 15 structural relationships. The method was applied to a deciduous species to describe structural characteristics of branching and foliage distribution. Results demonstrate that it is practical to estimate fractal dimensions of tree crowns in the field.

• 出版日期2014-4
• 单位北京林业大学; 中国林业科学研究院