Principles of National Forest Inventory Methods: Theory, Practice, and Examples from Estonia

Description

This Monograph explains the statistical theory behind the National Forest Inventory (NFI) data collection and compares different methods for modelling and inventory design. The author also explains how natural uncertainty in measurement and modelling can affects the results. Forests, as dynamic systems, are influenced by many unpredictable factors over time. Therefore, readers can use this book to develop the right framework of expectations, when using NFI data. The chapters give an outlook on traditional methods like sample plots, but also consider newer approaches like remote sensing. By merging these different techniqes, NFI datasets can become more reliable and facetted. One of the most contemporary developments in the field, is the use of continuous plots that offer live data at all times. Whether this data should be open to the public, is another discussion point that the author addresses. Offering a perspective from Estonia, readers will find practical examples for all discussed methods. This bridge from theory to practice, makes the volume a useful resource for scientists and decision makers in the forestry sector.   Preface Contents Acronyms 1 Introduction of NFI and LULUCF 1.1 Purpose of an Inventory 1.2 Inventory Frequency 1.3 Single vs Multiple Land-Use Categories 1.4 LULUCF 1.4.1 Forest Land 1.4.2 Cropland 1.4.3 Grassland 1.4.4 Wetlands 1.4.5 Settlements 1.4.6 Other Land References 2 Definition and Uncertainty of Forests 2.1 Ecosystem Services in Forests 2.2 Definitions 2.3 Uncertainty 2.3.1 Crown Cover 2.4 Trees Growing Space 2.5 Uncertainty in Estimates References 3 Tree and Its Measurement 3.1 Introduction to Tree Measurement 3.2 Tree Diameter 3.3 Basal Area 3.4 Tree Height 3.5 Tree Taper 3.5.1 Measurement with Camera 3.5.2 Terrestrial Laser Scanner 3.6 Tree Volume 3.7 Annual Volume Increment 3.8 Tree Biomass 3.9 Tree Age References 4 Design of Sample Plots Methods 4.1 Basic Principles of Statistics 4.2 Pattern of Sample Plots Location 4.2.1 Simulations 4.3 Distribution of Land-Use Categories 4.4 Uncertainty in the Sampling of Hierarchical Structure 4.5 Distribution of Main Tree Species 4.6 Permanent and Temporary Plots 4.7 Resolution of Estimates 4.8 Size of Sample Plot 4.9 Changes Over Time 4.10 Types of Sample Plots 4.10.1 Inventory Variables 4.10.2 Biodiversity Attributes 4.11 LULUCF 4.11.1 Temporary Sample Plots 4.11.2 Forest Biomass Estimation References 5 Forest Statistics Preparation and Calculation 5.1 Share of Sample Plot 5.2 Site Index 5.3 Height Curve Model 5.4 Growing Stock Volume 5.4.1 Mean Growing Stock Volume 5.4.2 Growing Stock Volume in Mixed Stand 5.5 Age Distribution 5.6 Sampling Error of Estimate 5.7 Fellings 5.7.1 Accuracy Estimation 5.7.2 Use of Remote Sensing Data 5.8 LULUCF 5.8.1 Area and it Changes 5.8.2 Biomass and Carbon References 6 Remeasurement of Sample Plots 6.1 Land-Use Category 6.2 Dependence of Uncertainty 6.3 Sample Plot 6.3.1 Diameter 6.3.2 Site Index 6.3.3 Dead and Lying Trees References 7 Remote Sensing Data and Methods in NFI 7.1 Introduction 7.2 NFI as In-situ Data 7.3 Quality of Remote Sensing Results 7.3.1 Purpose of Maps 7.3.2 Accuracy of Maps 7.3.3 Pixel Size 7.3.4 Classification of Pixels 7.4 Consistency of Data 7.4.1 Aerial Laser Scanning 7.4.2 Multispectral Images 7.5 Accuracy 7.5.1 Aerial Laser Scanning 7.6 Terrestrial Laser Scanning 7.7 Maps Based on Remote Sensing Data 7.8 NFI and Remote Sensing Data Combination 7.9 Forest 3D Mapping References 8 Continuous NFI Design of a Sample Plot 8.1 Continuous Forestry Statistics 8.2 Changes Between Periods 8.3 Changes Detection 8.4 Temporary Plots References 9 NFI as Open Data Method 9.1 Purpose of Methods 9.1.1 Bias in Open Data? 9.1.2 Verification of Results 9.1.3 Inventory Variables 9.2 Type of Sample Plots 9.3 Methods to Use 9.3.1 Bayesian Statistics 9.3.2 Remote Sensing Data 9.3.3 Machine Learning 9.4 Felling Analysis 9.5 Temporal Analysis References 10 Analysis of Forest Dynamics with NFI Data 10.1 Statistical Forest Dynamics 10.2 Approaches for Modelling Forest Dynamics 10.2.1 Stock-Difference Method 10.2.2 Gain-Loss Method 10.3 Forest Dynamics 10.3.1 Forest Management 10.3.2 Tree Species and Age Class Transition 10.3.3 Afforestation and Deforestation 10.3.4 Damages 10.4 Modelling of Forest Dynamics 10.5 Stand Level Forest Dynamics 10.6 National Level Forest Dynamics References 11 Sustainable Forestry Analysis Method Based on Sample Plot Data 11.1 Analysis and Methods 11.2 Forest Resources and Global Carbon Cycles 11.2.1 Indicator 1.1: Forest Area 11.2.2 Indicator 1.2: Growing Stock 11.2.3 Indicator 1.3: Age Structure and/or Diameter Distribution 11.2.4 Indicator 1.4: Forest Carbon 11.3 Forest Ecosystem Health and Vitality 11.3.1 Indicator 2.4: Forest Damage 11.4 Productive Functions of Forests 11.4.1 Indicator 3.1: Increment and Fellings 11.4.2 Indicator 3.2: Roundwood 11.5 Forests Biological Diversity 11.5.1 Indicator 4.1: Diversity of Tree Species 11.5.2 Indicator 4.2: Regeneration 11.5.3 Indicator 4.3: Naturalness 11.5.4 Indicator 4.4: Introduced Tree Species 11.5.5 Indicator 4.5: Deadwood 11.5.6 Indicator 4.9: Protected Forests 11.6 Protective Functions (Soil and Water) 11.6.1 Indicator 5.1: Protective Forests References