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Uncertainty in timber assortment estimates predicted from forest inventory data

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Abstract

Uncertainty factors related to inventory methodologies and forest-planning simulation computings in the estimation of logging outturn assortment volumes and values were examined. The uncertainty factors investigated were (1) forest inventory errors, (2) errors in generated stem distribution, (3) effects of generated stem distribution errors on the simulation of thinnings and (iv) errors related to the prediction of stem form and simulation of bucking. Regarding inventory errors, standwise field inventory (SWFI) was compared with area-based airborne laser scanning (ALS) and aerial photography inventorying. Our research area, Evo, is located in southern Finland. In all, 31 logging sites (12 clear-cutting and 19 thinning sites) measured by logging machine in winter 2008 were used as field reference data. The results showed that the most significant source of error in the prediction of clear-cutting assortment outturns was inventory error. Errors related to stem-form prediction and simulated bucking as well as generation of stem distributions also cause uncertainty. The bias and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of inventory errors varied between −11.4 and 21.6 m3/ha and 6.8 and 40.5 m3/ha, respectively, depending on the assortment and inventory methodology. The effect of forest inventory errors on the value of logging outturn in clear-cuttings was 29.1% (SWFI) and 24.7% (ALS). The respective RMSE values related to thinnings were 41.1 and 42%. The generation of stem distribution series using mean characteristics led to an RMSE of 1.3 to 2.7 m3/ha and a bias of −1.2 to 0.6 m3/ha in the volume of all assortments. Prediction of stem form and simulation of bucking led to a relative bias of −0.28 to 0.00 m3 in predicted sawtimber volume. Errors related to pulpwood volumes were −0.4 m3 to 0.21 m3.

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Acknowledgments

This study was made possible by financial aid from the Finnish Academy project Improving Forest Supply Chain by Means of Advanced Laser Measurements (L-Impact).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Latokartanonkaari 7, 00014, Helsinki, Finland

    Markus Holopainen, Mikko Vastaranta, Jussi Rasinmäki, Jouni Kalliovirta & Antti Mäkinen

  2. Haapanen Forest Consulting, Vanhakylä, Finland

    Reija Haapanen

  3. Metsäteho Ltd, Helsinki, Finland

    Timo Melkas

  4. Finnish Geodetic Institute, Kirkkonummi, Finland

    Xiaowei Yu & Juha Hyyppä

Authors
  1. Markus Holopainen
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  2. Mikko Vastaranta
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  3. Jussi Rasinmäki
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  5. Antti Mäkinen
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  8. Xiaowei Yu
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  9. Juha Hyyppä
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Correspondence to Markus Holopainen.

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Communicated by M. Moog.

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Holopainen, M., Vastaranta, M., Rasinmäki, J. et al. Uncertainty in timber assortment estimates predicted from forest inventory data. Eur J Forest Res 129, 1131–1142 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-010-0401-4

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