Spatial analysis in timber management planning

Abstract

The objective of this thesis was to develop a spatially sound timber management strategy design tool. Long-range timber management modelling systems were identified as being limited by the inability to perform large-scale spatial analysis. Large-scale spatial analysis capabilities, realized with the introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allow resource managers to consider the spatial distribution of treatments, haul costs and timing of access (termed the spatial problem). Three candidate modelling systems were evaluated for integration with large-scale spatial analysis. Timber RAM was chosen because of the transferability, ease of modification and sufficient constraint capabilities. The mathematical structure of a modified Timber RAM system was described. A management planning algorithm was proposed as a means of developing spatially sound treatment schedules. The heart of the management planning algorithm was the HAULCOST.CPL routine which attached haul cost and timing of access attributes to individual stands in a forest property. These attributes were used in stand class aggregations in performing the modified Timber RAM analysis. The management planning algorithm was implemented for a case study forest. Results of the case study were evaluated with respect to the ability of the management planning algorithm to address the spatial problem and the feasibility of implementation in an actual planning situation. The management planning algorithm was able to produce spatially sound harvest schedules, and thus achieved the stated objective. Practical implementation was considered to be feasible for those organizations maintaining an ARC/INFO GI.S and database.