Generating synthetic laser scanning data of forests by combining forest inventory information, a tree point cloud database and an open-source laser scanning simulator [Data to reproduce the ALS simulations]

This dataset includes files to reproduce HELIOS++ airborne laser scanning simulations of six 1-ha plots in temperate forests in south-western Germany. In addition, the real ALS data of the same plots is provided.

Synthetic 3D representations of the plots were created based on forest inventory information. They were composed of real ULS point clouds of single trees, and, for comparison, simplified tree models with cylindrical stems and spheroidal crowns.

This dataset includes all files required to run the HELIOS++ simulations, including the synthetic forest stand point clouds, soil layers, scene files, and survey files. The simulation output can then be compared to the real ALS data which is also provided.