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Abstract
A systematic examination of Forest Inventory and Analysis condition data collected under the annual inventory protocol in the Pacific Northwest region between 2000 and 2004 revealed the presence of errors both in condition topology and plot proportion computations. When plots were compiled to generate population estimates, proportion errors were found to cause underestimation of forested area. We identified reasons for the errors and offered recommendations for error prevention. Modifications were made to the condition proportion module in the compilation system as a result of these findings, and recommendations to reduce error incidence in the field in 2005 have already reduced the error rate by 70 percent.
Parent Publication
Citation
Gatziolis, Demetrios. 2007. An investigation of condition mapping and plot proportion calculation issues. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; McWilliams, William H., eds. Proceedings of the seventh annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; October 3-6, 2005; Portland, ME. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-77. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: 75-80.
