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We tested if structural changes in the canopy of terra firme forests in the Central Amazon caused by edge effects and fragmentation can be identified using rangefinder LiDAR. We compared forest fragment edge, fragment interior, and continuous forest in areas of the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project (BDFFP). We obtained the following canopy structural attributes: leaf area index, leaf area density in vertical profiles, canopy cover, height and rugosity of the upper canopy surface. These were derived from 100m long 2D profiles obtained with an upward-looking rangefinder LiDAR (Riegl LD90 - VHS3100 - FLP). The system (LiDAR, gimbal, computer and batteries) was carried by a field operator walking at a constant speed, using a metronome. The sensor was maintained 1m above the ground. Vegetation at the fragment edge had significantly lower canopy height and density understory compared to continuous forest. However, canopy cover and rugosity showed no significant difference. We concluded that LiDAR is a valuable tool, capable of identifying structural changes in the canopy caused by edge effects and fragmentation.