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Differences in forest area classification based on tree tally from variable- and fixed-radius plots

Authors :
Azuma, David
Monleon, Vicente J.
Source :
Canadian Journal of Forest Research. January, 2011, Vol. 41 Issue 1, p211, 4 p.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

In forest inventory, it is not enough to formulate a definition; it is also necessary to define the 'measurement procedure.' In the classification of forestland by dominant cover type, the measurement design (the plot) can affect the outcome of the classification. We present results of a simulation study comparing classification of the dominant cover type between fixed- and variable-radius plot designs. We also show the effect of species distribution and partially sampled plots on these classifications. Plot type, area sampled, and the way in which the species are distributed influence the outcome of the classification. Thus, estimated changes in forest area may be an artifact of plot design changes, rather than actual population change. Resume: En inventaire forestier, il ne suffit pas de formuler une definition; il faut egalement definir la procedure de mesure. Dans la classification des forets par type de couvert dominant, le dispositif de mesure (la placette) peut influencer le resultat de la classification. Nous presentons les resultats d'une etude de simulation qui compare la classification du type de couvert dominant selon qu'on utilise des placettes a rayon fixe ou a rayon variable. Nous montrons aussi l'effet de la repartition des especes et celui des placettes partiellement echantillonnees sur ces classifications. Le type de placette, la zone echantillonnee et la facon dont les especes sont reparties influencent le resultat de la classification. Ainsi, les changements estimes dans la zone forestiere peuvent etre un artefact cause par des changements dans le dispositif de placettes, plutot qu'un changement reel de la population. [Traduit par la Redaction]<br />Introduction Estimation of forest attributes such as volume, number of trees, and area are mainstays of forest inventories. Classification of forest area into dominant species type (often referred to as [...]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00455067
Volume :
41
Issue :
1
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Canadian Journal of Forest Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.250825265
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1139/X10-200