Category:Functions and models in forest inventory

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The direct observation of some tree variables, such as tree volume, but also [[tree height]], is time consuming and therefore expensive. Thus, we may establish a statistical relationship between the target variable and variables that are easier to observe such as [[diameter at breast height|dbh]]. These relationships are formulated as mathematical functions which are used as prediction models: they allow us predicting the value of the target variable (dependent variable) once the value of the easy-to-measure variable (independent variable) is known. In forest inventory, two important models exist: [[height curve]]s which predict the tree height from dbh: height = f(dbh) and [[volume functions]] which predict tree volume from dbh or from dbh and height or from other sets of independent variables: volume = f(dbh), or volume = f(dbh, height), or volume=f(dbh, upper diameter, height).
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The direct observation of some [[:Category:Single tree variables|tree variables]], such as [[Stem  volume|tree volume]], but also [[Tree height|tree height]], is time consuming and therefore expensive. Thus, we may establish a statistical relationship between the target variable and variables that are easier to observe such as [[Diameter at breast height|dbh]]. These relationships are formulated as mathematical functions which are used as prediction models: they allow us predicting the value of the target variable (dependent variable) once the value of the easy-to-measure variable (independent variable) is known. In forest inventory, two important models exist:  
  
In order to build these models, one needs to define a mathematical function that shall be used, and one needs to select a set of sample trees at which all variables (the dependent variable and the independent variables) are observed. Then, the model has to be fitted to the sample data in a way that prediction errors are minimized. The resulting function with the best fit is then used as prediction model.
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*[[height curve]]s which predict the tree height from <math>dbh:height=f(dbh)</math> and
The statistical technique used to fit a mathematical function to a set of data points is called [[linear regression|regression]]. While this topic is covered in detail in the forest biometry module, here we give a brief summary only.
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*[[volume  functions]] which predict tree volume from <math>dbh</math>  or from <math>dbh</math> and height or from other sets of  independent variables:
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**<math>volume=f(dbh)</math>, or
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**<math>volume=f(\mbox{dbh, height})</math>, or
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**<math>volume=f(\mbox{dbh, upper diameter, height})</math>.
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In order to build these models, one needs to define a mathematical function that shall be used during [[Linear regression|regression analysis]], and one needs to select a set of sample trees at which all variables (the dependent variable and the independent variables) are observed. Then, the model has to be fitted to the sample data in a way that prediction errors are minimized. The resulting function with the best fit is then used as prediction model.
  
  
 
[[Category:Forest mensuration]]
 
[[Category:Forest mensuration]]

Latest revision as of 10:32, 28 October 2013

The direct observation of some tree variables, such as tree volume, but also tree height, is time consuming and therefore expensive. Thus, we may establish a statistical relationship between the target variable and variables that are easier to observe such as dbh. These relationships are formulated as mathematical functions which are used as prediction models: they allow us predicting the value of the target variable (dependent variable) once the value of the easy-to-measure variable (independent variable) is known. In forest inventory, two important models exist:

  • height curves which predict the tree height from \(dbh:height=f(dbh)\) and
  • volume functions which predict tree volume from \(dbh\) or from \(dbh\) and height or from other sets of independent variables:
    • \(volume=f(dbh)\), or
    • \(volume=f(\mbox{dbh, height})\), or
    • \(volume=f(\mbox{dbh, upper diameter, height})\).

In order to build these models, one needs to define a mathematical function that shall be used during regression analysis, and one needs to select a set of sample trees at which all variables (the dependent variable and the independent variables) are observed. Then, the model has to be fitted to the sample data in a way that prediction errors are minimized. The resulting function with the best fit is then used as prediction model.

Pages in category "Functions and models in forest inventory"

The following 4 pages are in this category, out of 4 total.

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