Abstract
Using permanent sample-plot data, selected tree height and diameter functions were evaluated for their predictive abilities for major tree species in complex (multiple age, size and species cohort) stands of interior British Columbia (BC), Canada. Two sets of models were evaluated. The first set included five models for estimating height as a function of individual tree diameter, the second set also included five models for estimating height as a function of individual tree diameter and other stand-level attributes. The inclusion of the BAL index (which simultaneously indicates the relative position of a tree and stand density) into the base height–diameter models increased the accuracy of prediction for all species. On average, by including stand level attributes, root mean square values were reduced by 30.0 cm. Based on the residual plots and fit statistics, these models can be recommended for estimating tree heights for major tree species in complex stands of interior BC. The model coefficients are documented for future use.
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Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and financial support provided by the German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD), the British Columbia Ministry of Forests and University of British Columbia. We thank Drs. V. LeMay and P.L. Marshall for their comments on an earlier draft, and two anonymous referees for constructive comments. Part of this analysis was carried out when the lead author was a visiting scientist at the University of Göttingen, Germany.
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Temesgen, H., v. Gadow, K. Generalized height–diameter models—an application for major tree species in complex stands of interior British Columbia. Eur J Forest Res 123, 45–51 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-004-0020-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-004-0020-z