SKOG305 Sampling-based Forest Inventory

Biometry and the registration of forest resources.

1. The basic sampling methods used in forest inventory at various geographical levels (trees, stands, properties, regions).

2. The basic statistical features of these methods.

3. Registration of other phenomena than wood resources, e.g. dead wood.

4. Use of remotely sensed data to support sample surveys - with emphasis on airborne laser.

5. Specific issues related to estimation of forest resources for small areas with limited support in local field data.

Knowledge

The student should have knowledge about the most essential sampling methods used in forest inventory and know the statistical basis of the methods.

Skills

The student should be able to apply the statistical estimators in question for the sampling methods in order to estimate relevant population parameters (e.g. timber volume) and the uncertainty of these estimates.

General competence

The student should be able to ask critical questions about designs of sample surveys of living trees and other phenomena in the forest, as well as evaluate whether statistically based sample surveys may be relevant for a certain registration problem. The student should also have a balanced attitude towards errors in forest surveys.