High-quality, above-ground biomass reference data collection is required for transparent and independent satellite observations, which will accurately represent real forest carbon stocks in all forest types and conditions today and into the future. This unprecedented multi-network collaboration will use innovative technology, partnerships and training, broad sampling, as well as long-term commitment and fair funding for field partners to establish 100 core sites and 200 supplementary sites around the globe to measure and monitor forest biomass stocks. It will deliver these data in a powerful portal that is openly accessible to the public, the science and corporate communities, and space agencies, driving critical advances in satellite technology.

This project will focus on the collection and analysis of TLS data. It will involve field data collection, data processing, management and analysis, and the development of research papers based on the work. Importantly, the focus will be on coordinating the efforts of different TLS teams to ensure consistent, accurate, and comparable data acquisitions across different sites and campaigns—moreover, training and capacity-sharing with partners and associated students in TLS-based research will be focused.

The project will also support the TLS Technical Implementation Group. The TIGs role has been defined as:

1. To define the protocol for the data collection, which will encompass the choice of including 1-ha plots.
2. The protocols and procedures for data processing will be defined.
3. To explore the understanding of level 1, level 2, and level 3 data products, what is the significance of these levels on the data quality.
4. Documentation of data formats to publish, sites, terms, and conditions will be focused.
5. The authenticity of the data quality with timely review and check.
6. Allocation of a GitHub page or similar site for the contribution status update and maintenance of code and protocols associated with this.
7. To avail of proper, user-friendly documentation with detailed explanations.
8. Several training and workshops will be organized to build capacity at local sites and provide the local community with crucial technical information and knowledge.