Forest parameter estimation by means of Monte-Carlo simulations with experimental considerations - Estimation of multiple reflections among trees depending on forest parameters

A method for estimation of forest multiple light reflections depending on forest parameters is introduced, based on Monte-Carlo simulations of photon transport with experimental considerations. The model is verified through experiments with two miniature forests, in which two types of small-sized trees with ellipsoid- and cone-shaped crowns are arranged in a grid array. The introduced method was confronted with experimental measurements and showed small deviations from the measured values. It was found that the simulation of three-dimensional photon trajectories allowed a reliable evaluation of multiple light reflections among trees. In addition, the multiple reflections among trees due to the changes of tree inter-distance, crown type and crown shape were clarified with the proposed method.