Classification of vegetation in an open landscape using full-waveform airborne laser scanner data

•We classify vegetation in an open landscape using only ALS-based variables.•24 classes (κ: 0.51) based on plant associations are aggregated at 3 levels.•We achieve an accuracy of κ: 0.79 for the five main vegetation classes.•Natura 2000 habitats are classified with an accuracy of κ: 0.69.•DTM-based variables increase the overall accuracies at all levels of aggregation.