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Abstract
Forest inventories aim at recording tree attributes, which require large amounts of time in the field and are not exempt of errors. These are combined to estimate volume and product yield. Research has shown that including more than one diameter along the stem improves total and merchantable yield estimates. This could be accomplished using remotely sensed light detection and ranging (LiDAR) evaluated from the ground. Unfortunately, LiDAR values often underestimate total height. This research proposes methods to determine tree diameter for loblolly pine using circle fitting to LiDAR data, a tree’s total height by solving a taper equation for total tree height and taper simultaneously for longleaf pine, and the effect of water deficit as a determinant of stem taper for longleaf pine plantations in Georgia. The results show a clear relation of locally estimated Kozak parameters with water stress, highlighting the need to include this variable into taper studies.