A frequency spectrum-based processing framework for the assessment of tree root systems

Lantini, Livia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0416-1077, Tosti, Fabio ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0291-9937, Bianchini Ciampoli, Luca and Alani, Amir (2020) A frequency spectrum-based processing framework for the assessment of tree root systems. In: SPIE Future Sensing Technologies, 9-13 Nov 2020, Virtual.

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Abstract

The monitoring and conservation of natural assets are nowadays increasingly important, as the emergence of unknown pathogens endangers tree survival. In this respect, root systems are affected by fungal infections that cause root rot and ultimately contribute to the death of trees. Such diseases can quickly spread to surrounding trees and affect wider areas. Since these decays do not usually show visible symptoms, early identification is key to the protection of trees.
Within this framework, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are becoming increasingly popular, as they are faster and more flexible than destructive methods. Specifically, ground penetrating radar (GPR) is emerging as an accurate geophysical tool for tree roots mapping. Recent research has focused on the implementation of automated algorithms for root mapping in a 3D environment and the investigation of root mass density.
This research aims to investigate the changes occurring in the frequency spectrum of the GPR signal during root system surveys. To this extent, advanced signal processing techniques (both in time and frequency domain) are applied, to eliminate noise-related information and the disturbance induced by the presence of other features (i.e. pavement layers or underground utilities). The proposed processing framework can be applied for expeditious analyses or on trees difficult to access, where more comprehensive survey methods are not applicable. The results of the application of this methodology to a real-case scenario showed the potential of the applied procedure and will lead to the development of a new approach for investigating root systems using GPR.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Identifier: 10.1117/12.2580583
Identifier: 10.1117/12.2580583
Additional Information: Copyright (2020) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2580583. Livia Lantini, Fabio Tosti, Luca Bianchini Ciampoli, and Amir M. Alani "A frequency spectrum-based processing framework for the assessment of tree root systems", Proc. SPIE 11525, SPIE Future Sensing Technologies, 115251J (8 November 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2580583
Keywords: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), short-time Fourier transform (STFT), tree root mapping, urban trees
Subjects: Construction and engineering > Civil and environmental engineering
Construction and engineering > Digital signal processing
Construction and engineering
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Livia Lantini
Date Deposited: 06 Nov 2020 12:04
Last Modified: 28 Aug 2021 07:14
URI: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/7449

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