Forest Mensuration. Brack and Wood
A forest, by definition, is dominated by trees. To quantify what is in the forest, you must be able to measure both:
- individual trees, and
- groups of trees or stands.
To effectively complete these measurements, you will also need to use and understand the measurement devices or tools that are available. You may also need to carry out an appropriate inventory. Such an inventory will consist of several steps.
- Decide on the exact questions about the resource that you need answered.
- Determine what information is already available and what additional data needs to be collected.
- Select an appropriate sampling scheme (if necessary).
- Select appropriate measurement techniques.
- Train the crews.
- Implement the field procedures (including a program of monitoring for quality).
- Process and check the data.
- Present the results with all the relevant information and assumptions.
If you complete all these steps well, you will have completed an effective and efficient inventory - congratulations.
Examples of inventories
- Eden - Native hardwood volume assessment using point-3P sampling. (Example inventory and data recording instructions developed by G.B. Wood).
- 4th year FSTY4104 student project (point-3P inventory of Tallaganda SF).
- Centroid and 3P in plantations - Application of the centroid method for estimating tree volume and a variable probability sampling system to efficiently measure a small woodlot where every tree could be visited but not intensively measured. (Part of a student project).
- National Forest Inventory (NFI) The objective of the NFI is to assist governments within their spheres of responsibility to plan and manage for the conservation and use of Australia's forests by facilitating the collection and availability of contemporary, valid and standardised data through a Commonwealth and States partnership.
- The Statewide Forest Resource Inventory (SFRI): Designed to provide the first comprehensive, standardised statement of Victoria's native forest resources.
Case studies of other inventories are welcome. (Please e-mail for further information).
http://online.anu.edu.au/Forestry/mensuration/WHATNOW.HTM
Cris.Brack@anu.edu.au
Fri, 20 Dec. 1996