By James D. Arney, Forest Biometrics Research Institute (FBRI)
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Consider a Large Working Forest Ownership (0.5 – 1.5 million acres)
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Traditional Inventory Approach (1970 – 1995) – “Phototype & Cruise”
- Human Photo Interpreter using an Experienced Eye
- Stratify the Forest (48 – 72 Strata Maximum)
- 4 – 6 Primary Species Groups
- 4 Size Classes (Seedling, Sapling, Pole, Timber)
- 3 Density Classes (Poor, Medium, Dense)
- Cruise 20% of All Forest Acres / Stratum (Limited by Annual Budget)
- 20% of 1 million acres at $7.00 / acre = $1,400,000 Initial Cruise
- Extrapolate 80% of All Acres based on Average Tree Lists by Stratum
- May Re-Merchandize and Grow Individual Stands
- Stratify the Forest (48 – 72 Strata Maximum)
- Human Photo Interpreter using an Experienced Eye
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Remote Forest Mapping (1996 – 2019) – “Raster Theme Generator”
- Satellite 30m Raster-based Forest Themes for Species and Volume
- Combinations of Satellite Spectral Bands and Coarse LiDAR
- 4 – 6 Primary Species Groups
- 3 – 7 Volume / Biomass Classes
- Ground-based Calibration Plots for Species / Volume Signatures
- Combinations of Satellite Spectral Bands and Coarse LiDAR
- Every Acre based on Direct Aerial Interpretation, No Extrapolations
- Entire Forest easily Re-Classified & Updated Periodically
- Cruise 1.5% Annually (target Defect & Harvest Planning)
- No Capacity to Re-Merchandize or Grow Themes
- Satellite 30m Raster-based Forest Themes for Species and Volume
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Remote Forest Mapping (2020 +) – “Raster Polygon Generator”
- Satellite 10m Raster-based Forest Themes for Species, Size & Density
- Combinations of Satellite Spectral Bands and Medium LiDAR
- 4 – 8 Primary Species Groups
- 4 – 8 Height Classes (20-foot strata)
- 4 – 6 Density Classes (Crown Competition Factor index)
- Ground-based Calibration Plots for Species / Height / Density
- Combinations of Satellite Spectral Bands and Medium LiDAR
- Every Acre based on Direct Aerial Classification, No Extrapolations
- Entire Forest easily Re-Classified & Updated Periodically
- Cruise 1.5% Annually (target Defect & Harvest Planning)
- May Re-Merchandize and Grow Individual Stands
- Satellite 10m Raster-based Forest Themes for Species, Size & Density

