The Use of GIS in Site-Specific Forest Management

Transcription

1 The Use of GIS in Site-Specific Forest Management Christian Brodbeck Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University John Fulton, Joey Shaw, Tim McDonald, and Donn Rodekohr Auburn University Value Map

2 The Goal Develop site-specific value maps during harvest that allow for future tree-to-tree based management decisions Measure Individual Tree Volume Determine Value / Tree Analyze and Pattern Variation Adjust Management Decisions Achieving the Goal Ground Measurements Tree Location (X,Y,Z) Tree Diameter (DBH) and Height Soil properties Elevation LIDAR Used for individual tree height GIS Analysis Terrain properties (DEM, slope, aspect, CTI) LIDAR processing Volume/Value calculations

3 Traditional Volume Estimations Conduct a timber cruise Statistical sample Plots distributed either on a grid or randomly Plots are generally 1/10 ac. or 1/5 ac. Measure all merchantable timber within plot Traditional Volume Estimations Volume of trees on the plot are calculated using timber volume equations Cubic feet = D D²H Where D = DBH and H=Merchantable Height Volume is then extrapolated to entire tract Tract is harvested and yield data is not collected

4 Ground Measurements Order 1 soil survey conducted Tree location (x, y, and z) using RTK GPS and a Total Station Tree diameter at breast height using calipers 10% of total tree heights using a laser range finder and clinometers Ground Measurements Order 1 Soil Survey Soils, CTI, and Slope data combined to create management zones

5 Terrain Attributes Slope % Rate of change in elevation in x and y direction Compound Topographic Index (CTI) Ratio between catchment area and slope Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Use to remotely measure Distance Speed Rotation Chemical composition and concentration Purchased commercially LIDAR

6 LIDAR Commercially purchased LIDAR typically contains two large datasets Bare Earth Surfaces Digital Elevation Models First Return Vegetative Cover / Canopy Buildings in urban areas How do you filter out the useful data? LIDAR / GIS Analysis True Tree Position with known heights Actual Height = 20 m Tree Num LDR Dist LDR Hgt Ave Hgt (LDR) m

7 GIS Analysis Averaging the LIDAR points within the 1.5m buffer had the best correlation of LIDAR height to measured height Lidar Height (m) y = x R 2 = Christian Measured Brodbeck Height 2006 (m) GIS Analysis Averaging method was applied to all 2300 trees assigning individual tree heights. USDA Forest Service volume equation used to determine individual tree volume Volume (cu. ft.) = A*DBH²*Height For Pulpwood, A = For Sawtimber, A =

8 GIS Analysis Individual tree and total value calculated based on timber volume and current market price Total Value of Tract = $33,500 Measure Individual Tree Volume Determine Value / Tree Analyze and Pattern Variation Adjust Management Decisions GIS Analysis Too much within-pine competition Too much hardwood competition Poor productivity Acceptable growth

9 Adjust Management Decisions Increase herbicide application on hardwood competition Conduct a more aggressive thinning 3 - Plant lower value seedlings 4 Plant higher value seedlings or do not adjustment Is this feasible? Feasibility Commercially purchase the LIDAR data Input Bare Earth and First Return data into onboard computer Utilize Feller Buncher outfitted with GPS and diameter sensor to acquire an X, Y, and DBH

10 3D GIS Analysis Onboard computer has bare earth surface and tract boundary loaded 3D GIS Analysis Onboard computer also has first return (canopy) surface loaded

11 3D GIS Analysis Tree Height Calculate Volume Calculate Value Value Map

12 Thank You Christian Brodbeck Biosystems Engineering Auburn University