Assessing the accuracy of regional LiDAR-based biomass estimation using a simulation approach

► A simulation approach for assessing design- and mode-based estimators was proposed. ► An artificial population was created using empirical data and a copula function. ► A two-phase ALS-aided biomass survey with limited auxiliaries was simulated. ► Using two-phase systematic sampling greatly overestimated the real standard error. ► The systematic ALS-aided survey was more efficient than the ground-based inventory.