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Dendrometry I

Course developers

Prior knowledge

Biol2002, Dendrology

MežZ3068, Intoduction to Forestry

Replaced course

MežZB022 [GMEZB022] Dendrometry I

Course abstract

Aim of the study course is to provide students with knowledge about forest mensuration as science that develops methods for forest stand evaluation and observation, area survey and necessary forest management activities by taking into account changes in the forest resources. Study course consists of practical and theoretical parts.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After study course students will gain knowledge and understanding about forest mensuration and its role in forestry. As a result will acquire skills to independently conduct forest inventory data collection, processing and analysis, allowing to be competent in evaluation of necessary forest management activities.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Units of measurement and accuracy in forest taxation. Applied tools, accuracy (lecture 2h, labooratory work 2 h)
2. Wood components. Economic significance, use. Measuring the diameter and height of a tree (lecture 2h)
3. Determination of trunk cross-sectional area - Simpson's formula. Circle area tables. (lecture 2h)
4. Determination of the volume of the trunk and its parts: xylometric, weight, simple and compound stereometric formulas, graphical method (lectures 4 h, labooratory works 4 h)
5. Test 1. stem volume calculation, (labooratory work 1h)
6. Peculiarities of measuring and determining the volume of growing trees. Form numbers: their classification and practical application (lecture 2 h) 7. Surveying and determining the volume of round assortments and firewood (lecture 2 h, labooratory work 2 h)
8. Form coefficients; division, relations between form numbers. Tables for determining the volume of growing trees (lecture 2h labooratory work 1h)
9. Elevation classes: concept, determination. Height tables (lecture 1h) 10. Approximated methods for determining the volume of growing trees, their accuracy (lecture 1 h)
11. 2nd test surveying growing trees (labooratory work 1h)
12. Taxation of forest stands. Age of forest stand, average tree diameter and height (lecture 2 h)
13. Characteristics of forest stand taxation: form, quality, density (lecture 2h)
14. Sample plots (permanent, temporary), their installation, surveying and documentation (lecture 1 h)
15. Methods of forest stand stock determination (lecture 2 h, labooratory works 2 h)
16. Simplified methods of forest stand cross-section determination (lecture 2 h)
17. Assortment of forest stand stock, (lectures 2 h, labooratory works 2 h) 18. Test 3. Forest stand taxation. (labooratory work 1h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Completed laboratory works and 3 tests, test. If the average mark in tests 7 and higher, an automatic credit of the study course is granted

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

An independent work (essay) on one of the problems covered in the study course must be developed.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Completed laboratory works and 3 tests, test. If the average mark in tests 7 and higher, an automatic credit of the study course is granted

Compulsory reading

1. Husch B., Beers T.W. Forest mensuration. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley, 2003. 443 p.
2. Forest Inventory: methodology and applications. Ed. by A. Kangas and M. Maltamo. Dordrecht: Springer, 2006. 364 p.
3. Skudra P. Dreimanis A. Mežsaimniecības pamati. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1993. 259 261 lpp.

Further reading

1. Mežsaimnieka gadagrāmata, 1990. Rīga: Avots,1990. 303 lpp.
2. Norādījumi meža taksācijā. Salaspils: Valsts mežierīcības institūts, 1994. 41 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Meža Avīze. ISSN 1407 6187.

Notes

The study course is included in the compulsory part of the MF academic education bachelor's study program "Forest Science".