Technical note: Lightweight camera stand for close-to-earth remote sensing

Digital photography and subsequent image analysis for ground-cover measurements call increase sampling rate and measurement speed and probably can increase measurement accuracy. Reduced monitoring time (labor cost) call increase monitoring precision by allowing for increased sample numbers. Multiple platforms have been developed for close-to-earth remote sensing. Here we outline a new, 5.8-kg aluminum camera stand for acquiring stereo imagery from 2 in above ground level. The stand is easily transported to, from, and within study sites owing to its low weight, excellent balance, and break-clown multipiece construction.