An Interactive Simulation System for Modeling Stands, Harvests, and Machines

Abstract

A interactive computer simulation program models stands, harvest, and machine factors and evaluates their interatcitons while performing felling, skidding, or fowarding activities. A stand generator allows the user to generate either natural or planted stands. Fellings with chainsaw, drive-to-tree feller-bunchers, or harvesters and extraction with grapple skidders or fowarders are currently modeled in the system and others may be added. Simulations are performed by moving machine images within stand maps on the computer screen. The residual stand, machine running paths, and extraction travel intensity are recoreded for later analysis. Examples of simlulations with common logging machines are illustrated.

Citation

Wang, Jingxin; Greene, W. Dale. 1999. An Interactive Simulation System for Modeling Stands, Harvests, and Machines. Journal of Forest Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, Jan. 1999