1. A computer system, comprising: a processor that is configured to execute a sequence of programmed instructions that cause the processor to: read LiDAR data obtained from unidentified trees in a forest; select a LiDAR point cloud for an unidentified tree in the forest; compare the selected LiDAR point cloud for the unidentified tree to a point cloud defined in a library of LiDAR models for a number of standard trees; determine if the LiDAR point cloud for the unidentified tree matches a point cloud defined by a LiDAR model for a standard tree, and if so to associate one or more characteristics stored in the LiDAR model for the standard tree with the unidentified tree.