Southern Research Station

Title: A Simulation Algorithm to Approximate the Area of Mapped Forest Inventory Plots

Author: Bechtold, William A.; Heravi, Naser E.; Kinkenon, Matthew E.

Date: 2003

Source: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-­67. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 8 p.

Station ID: GTR-SRS-067

Description: Calculating the area of polygons associated with mapped forest inventory plots can be mathematically cumbersome, especially when computing change between inventories. We developed a simulation technique that utilizes a computer-generated dot grid and geometry to estimate the area of mapped polygons within any size circle. The technique also yields a matrix of change in mapped-plot area between two points in time.

Keywords: Area transition matrix, condition class, forest inventory, mapped plots, plot area calculation

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Citation

Bechtold, William A.; Heravi, Naser E.; Kinkenon, Matthew E.  2003.  A Simulation Algorithm to Approximate the Area of Mapped Forest Inventory Plots.   Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-­67. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 8 p.