SRS4702 Header Tree Measurement System


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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 Tree Measurement System (TMS), in its current form, consists of a multisensor data collection instrument and associated software for information extraction. The multisensor instrument incorporates a video camera with a custom lens system, a laser-rangefinder, and 3-axis orientation sensors. These sensors are all encased in a portable, rugged housing able to withstand the abuse often encountered in field data collection. TMS 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.

Neil Clark, and Phil Araman

 


Accomplishments

  • Developed TMS instrument to collect range, orientation, and image data.
  • Tested diameter and volume measurements against existing equipment and techniques.
  • Established measurement protocols and potential sources of error.
  • Software has been written to streamline the information extraction procedures from the raw collected data.

Current and Future Work

  • Increased automation of information extraction is being developed.
  • Work is being done to improve and integrate of all phases of the system.
  • Integration of these informational outputs with HW-BUCK.
  • Repeat field tests to determine the reliability and applicability for operational use.
  • Investigate the ability of using the system for additional parameters (e.g., health indicators, crown measurements, etc.) and for data collection for other studies.

Technology Transfer Efforts

  • We will be developing a system for use by FIA crews in the south.
  • Seven proceedings papers and two peer reviewed journal articles and one poster abstract have been published and numerous presentations given.
  • Papers, presentations, and information are available via the Internet at http://www.srs4702.forprod.vt.edu/TMS/.

 

 

Southern Research Station Forest Service USDA Virginia Tech Department of Wood Science and Forest Products Non-Timber Forest Products
Southern
Research
Station		 Forest
Service		 USDA Virginia
Tech		 Non-Timber
Forest
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Last Modified: 06/13/07
Send Comments to Matt Winn: mwinn@fs.fed.us