Optimizing SfM parameters for RGB-only individual-tree detection in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and mixed pine-hardwood stands

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry offers a cost-effective approach to tree-level detection, however, Structure-from-Motion (SfM) outputs are sensitive to processing choices and site conditions, which can alter canopy representation and reduce individual-tree detection accuracy. Here, we systematically evaluate how SfM reconstruction quality and depth-map filtering influence RGB-only individual-tree detection under controlled acquisition conditions. Objectives were to (i) identify an optimal SfM-derived point-cloud configuration for delineating individual trees, and (ii) implement and test a segmentation workflow (local-maxima treetop detection plus Dalponte2016 in lidR) for detecting and counting trees. We assessed RGB-only SfM for individual-tree detection (ITD) across thirteen 1.21-ha loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) plots located in two counties in the state of Alabama in the southeastern United States; eight even-aged plantations and five mixed pine-hardwood stands, while holding image acquisition parameters constant. Using Agisoft Metashape Professional (Agisoft LLC, St. Petersburg, Russia), dense-cloud quality (Lowest, Low, Medium, High, Ultra High) and depth-map filtering (Disabled, Mild, Moderate, Aggressive) were varied in a 5 × 4 full-factorial design; assessment metrics included point-cloud density, canopy-surface completeness, canopy-height-model (CHM) agreement with field heights, and ITD precision/recall/F1. We identified a single high-resolution configuration (Ultra High + Disabled) by screening parameter sets for structural accuracy and suppression of false peaks. Using this configuration, CHMs matched field heights in Washington County, Alabama (R 2 = 0.96; RMSE = 0.44 m; bias = − 0.01 m) and in Cullman County, Alabama (R 2 = 0.44; RMSE = 1.14 m; bias = − 0.09 m); pooled performance was R 2 = 0.98; RMSE = 0.54 m; bias = − 0.01 m. ITD accuracy at the primary 3 m match radius yielded a precision of 0.03; recall = 0.29; F1 = 0.05 in the even-aged plantations (Washington) and a precision of 0.03; recall = 0.12; F1 = 0.05 in mixed pine–hardwood stands (Cullman); pooled F1 = 0.05. The selected parameters and workflow are reproducible and transferable, provide insight into RGB-SfM ITD performance, and indicate when lidar remains preferable for crown delineation.