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Evolution, history, and use of stem taper equations: a review of their development, application, and implementation
- Source :
- Canadian Journal of Forest Research. February, 2021, Vol. 51 Issue 2, p210, 26 p.
- Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Stem taper equations, which predict the change in stem form from ground to tip, have become the primary means for estimating bole volume. Stem taper equations can provide predictions with similar levels of accuracy as volume equations, but with greater flexibility, a wider range of potential uses, and consistency between taper and volume. This review is a synthesis of the current state of knowledge on stem taper equations and an assessment of challenges for future model refinement. It includes the history and evolution of stem taper model forms, which have received tremendous attention and focus over the last several decades. Additional focal areas covered are (i) the use of additional covariates beyond tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height; (ii) alternative statistical methods for developing stem taper equations such as parametric, semiparametric, and nonparametric approaches; (iii) key considerations for proper development, application, and use of stem taper equations such as sample size requirements, local calibration, and evaluation; and (iv) a synthesis of key findings, future opportunities, and ongoing challenges. Current and developing technologies such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) offer an unprecedented opportunity to measure stem form in much greater detail at significantly lower costs and time requirements than traditional methods. Overall, continued development, refinement, and application of stem taper equations will remain important given the critical nature of tree volume for science, accurate inventories, and ultimately, sustainable forest management. Key words: bole volume, stem form, forest inventory, parametric, semiparametric, nonparametric, regression. Les equations de defilement des tiges, qui predisent les changements dans la forme des tiges du sol jusqu'a l'extremite, sont devenues le principal moyen pour estimer le volume du tronc. Les equations de defilement des tiges peuvent fournir des predictions avec des niveaux de precision semblables aux equations de volume, mais avec une plus grande flexibilite, un eventail d'usages potentiels plus grand et une coherence entre le defilement et le volume. Cet article est une synthese de l'etat actuel des connaissances sur les equations de defilement et une evaluation des defis a surmonter pour raffiner les futurs modeles. Cela inclut l'historique et l'evolution des formes de modeles de defilement, qui a suscite beaucoup d'interet et recu beaucoup d'attention au cours des quelques dernieres decennies. Les zones additionnelles d'interet couvertes sont (i) l'utilisation de covariables additionnelles autres que le diametre des arbres a hauteur de poitrine (dhp) et la hauteur totale; (ii) les methodes statistiques alternatives pour elaborer des equations de defilement des tiges telles que les approches parametriques, semi-parametriques et non parametriques; (iii) les princ ipales considerations pour le developpement, l'application et l'utilisation appropries des equations de defilement des tiges telles que les exigences concernant la taille de l'echantillon, la calibration locale et l'evaluation; et (iv) une synthese des principales constatations, des opportunites futures et des defis actuels. Les technologies courantes et en voie de developpement, telles que le balayage laser terrestre, offrent des opportunites sans precedents de mesurer la forme des tiges de facon beaucoup plus detaillee a des couts significativement plus faibles et beaucoup plus rapidement que les methodes traditionnelles. Globalement, l'application, le raffinement et le developpement continu des equations de defilement des tiges vont demeurer importants etant donne le caractere crucial du volume des arbres pour la science, la precision des inventaires et ultimement l'amenagement forestier durable. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : volume du tronc, forme de la tige, inventaire forestier, parametrique, semi-parametrique, non parametrique, regression.<br />1. Introduction Tree volume, particularly merchantable volume, is a primary attribute that strongly influences forest management and planning. However, tree volume is difficult to measure and assess directly because of [...]
- Subjects :
- Sustainable forestry -- Analysis
Forest management -- Analysis
Earth sciences
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00455067
- Volume :
- 51
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Gale General OneFile
- Journal :
- Canadian Journal of Forest Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsgcl.653447269