Calibrating Predicted Diameter Distribution with Additional Information

Authors: Kangas A.¹; Maltamo M.²

Source: Forest Science, Volume 46, Number 3, 1 August 2000 , pp. 390-396(7)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

The diameter distribution of the growing stock is an essential starting point in many forest management planning problems. There are several methods for predicting the diameter distribution of a stand, varying from methods which utilize theoretical distribution functions to nonparametric methods. Usually the predicted diameter distribution is scaled so that the stem number corresponds to the measured value. However, if stem number and basal area are both known, it may be difficult to predict a distribution that gives correct estimates for both these characteristics. Such diameter distributions can be obtained using an approach adopted from sampling theory—calibration estimation. In this study, the diameter distributions of Scots pine were predicted with two different methods, the Weibull and percentile based methods, and then calibrated with additional information. The calibration reduced the RMSE of stand variables computed from the predicted distribution. FOR. SCI. 46(3): 390–396.

Keywords: Diameter distribution prediction; percentiles; Weibull; calibration estimation; linear programming; goal programming; nonlinear optimization; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Affiliations: 1: Researcher Finnish Forest Research Institute, Kannus Research Station, P.O. Box 44 Kannus, FIN, 69101, Finland, Fax: +358-6-8743201 annika.kangas@metla.fi 2: Researcher Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Research Station, P.O. Box 68 Joensuu, FIN, 80101, Finland,

Publication date: 2000-08-01

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