Self-referencing Taper Curves for Loblolly Pine

Abstract

We compare the traditional fitting of relative diameter over relative height with methods based on self-referencing functions and stochastic parameter estimation using data collected by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Growth and Yield Cooperative. Two sets of self-referencing equations assume known diameter at 4.5 feet inside (dib) and outside (dob) bark; and one set assumes known only dob at 4.5 feet. A fourth degree polynomial in one minus relative height describes taper. The proposed methods improved the error sum of squares by up to 47 percent over the traditional method.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the fourth annual Forest Inventory and Analysis symposium

Citation

Strub, Mike; Cieszewski, Chris; Hyink, David. 2005. Self-referencing Taper Curves for Loblolly Pine. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; McWilliams, William H.; Cieszewski, Chris J., eds. Proceedings of the fourth annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-252. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station. 59-64