The application of precision forestry - GPS and GIS technologies

Auburn University

Forestry & Wildlife Bldg.
602 Duncan Drive
Auburn, AL 36849-5418
(334) 844-1007
(334) 844-1084 FAX

The main objective of this PhD project is to introduce logging contractors and landowners to application of precision forestry technology. “Precision forestry” is a relatively new concept of practicing forestry, based on the same principles of similar terms frequently used in agriculture, i.e. “precision agriculture”. In essence, precision forest relates to the process of making management and operational decisions focused on the smallest practical unit area (Taylor et Precision Forestry al. 2005).

The first step of this project is to elaborate a mail survey addressed to forest landowners in the State of Alabama that will include questions about the landowner experience with computers and GPS/GIS technologies. The second phase is to collect field data in logging operations, utilizing Multidat and Tagasis dataloggers with GPS installed. GIS technology and cost analysis spreadsheets will be used to report the results of the logging operations. At the conclusion we will conduct workshops for landowners and loggers to discuss the case studies and highlight the values generated and the cost benefit analysis. The documentation of the study will be directed toward trade publications for forest landowners and loggers.