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Abstract. The USDA Forest Service, in cooperation
with individual states, intensively measures a subset of permanent forest
sample plots annually within each geographic region to obtain estimates of
tree volume and products. The
detailed field measurements required for this type of sampling are both time
consuming and error prone. The
Digital Camera Tree Evaluation System is being developed: 1) to acquire more
data in less time, 2) to extract these field measurements with predictable
accuracy, 3) to attain other types of information {e.g., biomass, stem form,
health indicators, defect, etc.}, and 4) to provide the ability to create
volume tables applicable to their particular sample population. The system consists of a portable
instrument that digitally records inclination in three axes, range, and image
data; as well as the necessary software components to extract the desired
information from these data.
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