LITE and SLIM are separate executable programs that provide a flexible association of utilities for entering light data from several sources and for outputting three dimensional estimates of leaf area and both instantaneous (hourly average) and seasonal photosynthetic photon flux density beneath tree canopies. SLIM prepares data for entry into LITE but SLIM is also a 'stand alone' utility that is designed to estimate LAI, gap fraction, and fractional transmittance or photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) from hemispherical photographs or LICOR LAI-2000 Plant Canopy Analyzer data. The LITE model can use a grid of gap fraction estimates from SLIM or tree list data (including tree location, lean, height, height to crown base, crown extent, diameter at breast height and leaf area [if available]) to estimate leaf area in each cubic metre of canopy space. The user provides information on the location of each grid point (x, y, and z coordinates) and the height to the top and the base of the canopy. LITE provides maps of LAI and PPFD across the study site and provides information on the light regime at selected locations. LITE and SLIM were developed at the BC Ministry of Forests and Range (BCMFR) by Dr. P.G. Comeau. Dr. Comeau is now located at the University of Alberta. An Extension Note and Working Paper dealing with LITE may be downloaded from the Ministry publications list. The latest versions of the LITE and SLIM programs and associated documentation can be downloaded from the University of Alberta website. As with any software, the user must accept all responsibility for interpretation and application of the results that are provided by these programs. Please report problems with the software or with the links in this webpage and send comments or questions to: Phil.Comeau@UAlberta.CA or Peter.Fielder@gov.bc.ca
Ministry Contact:
Peter.Fielder@gov.bc.ca |
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