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UBC Theses and Dissertations

A comparison of some 12-inch and 6-inch focal length photographs for photo mensuration and forest typing Lee, Yam

Abstract

Photogrammetry has become increasingly important in the practice of forestry. Recently, the trend has been toward the development of photo-mensurational techniques for direct estimation of timber resources. The purpose of the present study was to assess the possibility of applying aerial stand-volume multiple-regression equations for the application of photo-mensurational techniques on several kinds of air photos. Field data were collected from sample plots located in the U.B.C. Research Forest at Haney as well as from the forest on the campus of the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver. Modifications in technique for the determination of tree height, crown width and crown closure were developed by the writer and are described in this study. Multiple linear-regression equations were used for the analysis of data. Application of the Electronic Computer Alwac III-E to solve all the multiple linear-regression equations is described briefly. Ease of typing was evaluated subjectively. The present study has indicated: (1) Using a spherical densiometer, a ground estimate of crown closure in per cent resulted in an over-estimate, as compared with the photo-estimate. (2) Tree count could not be used effectively as an independent variable in the construction of the photo-volume equation. (3) Best results were secured when photographs: were taken with a 12-inch focal length and a flying height of 15,600 feet above sea level. (4) For the construction of photo-volume tables, height, crown width and crown closure should be used as independent variables, especially when more than one interpreter is involved. (5) No significant differences were found among photographic papers or finishes used for the determination of photo volume. (6) Photography with a Representative Fraction (RF) of 1:15,840 should be satisfactory for forest typing. (7) The greatest variation was among photo-interpreters. (8) Photo-interpretation could be improved by the standardization of photo-interpretation procedures.

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