A dataset on the structural diversity of European forests

The dataset corresponds to the data presented in the paper "A dataset on the structural diversity of European forests"

Forest structural diversity, representing the heterogeneity of canopy structural elements in space, is crucial for understanding the relationship between canopy structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. We addressed the lack of large-scale data by leveraging spaceborne LiDAR sensors, specifically the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), to create a dataset of canopy structural diversity in European forests. Using a predictive modeling framework with machine learning, we integrated multispectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to develop input features corresponding to eight structural diversity metrics derived from GEDI. Our robust models demonstrated that radar and passive optical data are effective in predicting structural diversity. This dataset, part of the Essential Biodiversity Variable framework, provides insights into the functional composition of ecosystems and their responses to climate change and land use management. Spanning Europe up to ~52° north and available at resolutions of 1 km, 5 km, and 10 km, the dataset supports applications in ecology, hydrology, and climate science.