FVS Description

The Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) is a family of forest growth simulation models. The basic FVS model structure has been calibrated to unique geographic areas to produce individual FVS variants. Since its initial development in 1973, it has become a system of highly integrated analytical tools. These tools are based upon a body of scientific knowledge developed from decades of natural resources research.

• The FVS Model
  Further description of the FVS models' history, structure, and execution.

The FVS Staff of the Forest Management Service Center maintains, supports, and develops FVS. The FVS Staff is part of the Forest Management Service Center, located in in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Forest Management Service Center is a sub-staff of the USDA Forest Service National Headquarters' Forest Management Staff.

Input Requirements

The FVS system uses existing forest inventory data to describe initial stand conditions. FVS needs a description of the inventory design, stand attributes, and a list of individual tree records. It is capable of simulations starting with "bare ground" conditions.

• Data
  Further description of the FVS data format and sources of data.

The FVS Interface

Suppose is the FVS Windows interface. It allows easy operation with point and click functions. It is designed to flow from data input, to activity scheduling, to output results.

• Suppose
  Further description of the FVS graphical user interface.

FVS Processing

Users select an appropriate FVS variant for their area. FVS variants are calibrated for each of the major tree species within a geographic region. Extensions to the base variants are also available to assess the effects of insect, disease, and fire. The selected FVS variant processes the numerical growth and yield calculations for the simulation.

• Variants
  Further description, documents, and software for the FVS geographical variants.
• Fire and Fuels Extension to the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FFE-FVS)
  Further description and links for FFE-FVS, including an overview video of the extension.
• Insect and Pathogen Models
  Link to the Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team's (FHTET) web page for extensions to the base FVS variants. These extensions incorporate the effects of insects and forest pathogens.
  

FVS Output Reports and Post-Processors

FVS produces a text output file and provides links to other programs. These other programs provide graphic displays and additional data analysis. FVS is also linked to forest planning models and GIS systems. The output capabilities can help with alternative analysis, report writing, and generating charts and graphs, all of which aid in communicating with others and making management decisions.

• Post-Processors
  Further description of the FVS Post-Processors.

Last modified: Tuesday, 24-Oct-2006 18:13:12 EDT