Southern
Research Station

• Authors: Beard, Jacob R.; Matney, Thomas G.; Schultz, Emily B.
• Publication Year: 2015
• Publication Series: Proceedings - Paper (PR-P)
• Source: In Proceedings of the 17th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e–Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–203. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 5 p.

Abstract

Tree profile equations are effective volume predictors. Diameter data for building these equations are collected from felled trees using diameter tapes and calipers or from standing trees using optical dendrometers. Developing and implementing a profile function from the collected data is a tedious and error prone task. This study created a computer program, Profile Data Calculator (www.timbercruise.com/Downloads/TProfile/TProfileSetup.exe) that calculates diameters and heights directly from dendrometer outputs, negating the necessity for intermediate calculations and allowing for improved functionality and immediate utility of the devices. Six different dendrometer models (calipers, calipers with Haglof Gator-Eyes® attachment, Wheeler Pentaprism, Spiegel Relaskop, Tele Relaskop, and Barr & Stroud FP15) were evaluated for incorporation into the computer program. The data processing program was written in Microsoft Visual Basic® Editor within Microsoft Excel® . TProfile© software reads the Microsoft Visual Basic® output and produces tree profile equations which are subsequently imported into TVolume© software to predict volume. Six program modules were created that allow for rapid deployment of profile equations for tree volume estimation.

• Citation: Beard, Jacob R.; Matney, Thomas G.; Schultz, Emily B. 2015. Computer programs for optical dendrometer measurements of standing tree profiles. In Proceedings of the 17th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e–Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–203. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 5 p.
• Posted Date: February 11, 2015
• Modified Date: February 12, 2015

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