Spatiotemporal Evolution of Forest Road Rutting and Flow Pathways Examined Using Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.70105
• Publication Date: 2025-03-18T10:27:53Z
• Authors: Amanda D. Alvis; Charles H. Luce; Erkan Istanbulluoglu; Friedrich Knuth; Lauren Wittkopf; David Shean; Gregory Stewart
• Keywords: Forest road

ABSTRACT Flow pathways on unpaved forest roads are critical determinants of surface runoff and sediment transport. These flow can be largely altered through road deformation caused by heavy traffic, with one the most common types being ruts. Historically, rut development has been studied using cross‐sectional analyses. More recently, remote sensing techniques, such as structure‐from‐motion (SfM) or terrestrial LiDAR scanning (TLS), have demonstrated their utility in mapping ruts roads. However, applications these data limited, especially respect to surface. Here we used SfM, validation from TLS, examine spatially comprehensive effects relative transport potential. We carried out a small‐scale experiment at two field sites western Washington unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) obtain digital elevation models (DEMs) mainline logging surfaces over 3 seasons. UAV‐derived DEMs were an change analysis simple routing model evolution impacts thereof. found that: (1) relationship between measures incision time since grading was nonlinear both for all seasons sufficient data; (2) developed, altered; (3) potential increased overall developed; (4) drainage system metrics reveal threshold depth network change. Our results demonstrate that great deal useful information extracted SfM evolution. Additionally, our allow us how rutting may affect utilisation erosion control treatments roadside ditch lines yield