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TREEMODEL


Development of single tree volume models and stem profile models

DOWNLOAD 2009 REPORT AS PDF (pdf 124Kb) 
DOWNLOAD 2009 REPORT IN IRISH (pdf 123Kb) 

PROJECT TEAM
Prof. Maarten Nieuwenhuis, University College Dublin*
Charles Harper, University College Dublin
John Redmond, Forest Service
Fergus McCaffery, University College Dublin
Ted Lynch, Coillte
Paddy Purser, PTR Ltd
Dr Martin Cerney, Institute of Forest Ecosystem Research Ltd (IFER)

* Email: maarten.nieuwenhuis@ucd.ie

COMPLETION DATE: December 2011

BACKGROUND
The National Forest Inventory has collected tree and stand measurement data at over 1,800 permanent sample plots across the country. Investigations to determine the suitability of these data for updating dynamic yield models are required. Work associated with the National Forest Inventory has derived very accurate Sitka spruce tree volume equations that have an application not only in deriving stand volume estimates, but as a cost-effective mensuration tool. Further work is required in this area, extending to other species, as is research on deriving wood supply indications from the national inventory and other data sources.

OBJECTIVES

  •     Produce stem profile models for Sitka spruce, Norway spruce, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, Japanese larch, Scots pine and ash, and validate these with newly collected stem data.
  •     Describe the different inventory tools available for collecting data necessary for stem profile model development.
  •     Develop recommendations for the integration of stem profile models into everyday inventory and management practice.

    PROGRESS
    A range of stem profile data from 280 Japanese larch stems were collected in 2009. These data, representative of a broad range of tree ages, sizes and geographic locations, were added to the national database containing sectional stem measurements and will be available for other COFORD projects.
    A_literature review was completed. As part of the compilation of an Inventory Equipment Database, some initial work has been completed, with the recently purchased Masser RC3H. A paper on stem profile modelling has been completed and is being prepared for submission for publication.

    ACTIVITIES PLANNED
  •     Initial work on stem profile modelling of Japanese larch and ash.
  •     The integration of the new single models into practical inventory systems.
  •     A database of measurement equipment available for use in inventory will be prepared.
  •     A short guide/handbook.

    OUTPUTS
  •     The validated Sitka spruce stem profile model has been produced. Stem profile models for Norway spruce, lodgepole pine, Scots pine and Douglas fir have also been produced. A fully validated MS Access database of all stem data has been produced. A rudimentary querying system for the above models has been produced.
  •     A research paper: Stem profile modeling of the main coniferous tree species in Ireland as a tool for standing volume estimation has been prepared.
  •     Recent developments in Irish stand and stem modelling under the COFORD STANDMODEL and TREEMODEL projects. Presentation to ITC Technical Group, Portlaoise, 14 July 2009 by Paddy Purser.
  •     Nieuwenhuis, M. 2009. COFORD's PLANSFM Research Programme: Planning and implementation of sustainable forest management. Presentation to the COFORD Council, AFBI Field station, Hillsborough, Co Down, 24 July 2009.
  •     Harper, C. and Nieuwenhuis, M. 2009. PLANSFM - Planning and implementation of sustainable forest management [Poster presentation.] UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine Research Day, 8 December 2009.

    2008 report

    PROJECT TEAM
    Prof. Maarten Nieuwenhuis, University College Dublin*
    John Redmond, University College Dublin
    Ted Lynch, Coillte
    Paddy Purser, PTR Ltd.
    Dr Martin Cerney, IFER

    * Email: maarten.nieuwenhuis@ucd.ie

    COMPLETION DATE: December 2010

    BACKGROUND
    The National Forest Inventory has collected detailed tree and stand measurement data at over 1,800 permanent sample plots across the country. Investigations to determine the suitability of these data for updating dynamic yield models are required. Work associated with the National Forest Inventory has derived very accurate Sitka spruce tree volume equations that have an application not only in deriving stand volume estimates, but as a cost-effective mensuration tool. Further work is required in this area, extending to other species, as is research on deriving wood supply indications from the national inventory and other data sources.

    OBJECTIVES
  •     Produce stem profile models for ash, Douglas fir, Japanese larch, lodgepole pine, Norway spruce, Scots pine and Sitka spruce.
  •     Validate these models with newly collected stem data.
  •     Describe the different inventory tools available for collecting necessary data for stem profile models.
  •     Develop recommendations for the integration of stem profile models into everyday private sector inventory and management practice.

    PROGRESS
    Stem data provided from the Coillte measurement database are available in several databases for all species relevant to this project with the exception of ash. At first, these data were checked for inconsistency and missing or incorrect values were recalculated. Then all the databases were put together, restructured and converted into the FieldMap database to be available for the StemProfiler software. As FieldMap enables visualization of stem profiles, data were also checked visually. This database is now complete and is part of the Field Map program. FieldMap is used as an interface between the large dataset and the user, allowing summarisation of data both numerically and graphically per tree, plot, year, treatment and species. A querying facility has been developed. The database has also been transformed to the commonly accessible MS Access format.
    The parameterisation of the Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, Norway spruce, Scots pine and Sitka spruce models has been completed by IFER. A model for ash has yet to be completed. The data of the 19 sample plots collected in 2007 have been verified and are available in a MS Access database for processing. The Sitka spruce model has been tested and validated.
    A paper detailing the methods used in model parameterisation will be completed in 2009. Ash data from 100 sample plots from the STANDMODEL project are currently being reviewed in advance of the development of a similar single tree volume model for this species.

     ACTIVITIES PLANNED
  •     A paper detailing the methods used in model parameterisation and stem profile modelling will be completed and submitted for publication.
  •     The integration of the new single models into practical inventory systems will be advanced. This will involve consultative workshops with the industry.
  •     There will be further work on the development of a measurement equipment database.

    OUTPUTS
  •     The validated Sitka spruce stem profile model has been produced.
  •     Stem profile models for Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, Norway spruce and Scots pine have also been produced.
  •     A fully cleaned MS Access database of all stem data has been produced.
  •     A rudimentary querying system for the above models has been produced.

    Current Internet Presence
    http://www.ucd.ie/forestry website describing TREEMODEL in the context of the PLANSFM research programme (due for launch in March 2009).