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Articles

Forest information at multiple scales: development, evaluation and application of the Norwegian forest resources map SR16

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Pages 484-496 | Received 26 Sep 2018, Accepted 23 Feb 2019, Published online: 18 Mar 2019
 

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the development and utility of the Norwegian forest resources map (SR16). SR16 is developed using photogrammetric point cloud data with ground plots from the Norwegian National Forest Inventory (NFI). First, an existing forest mask was updated with object-based image analysis methods. Evaluation against the NFI forest definitions showed Cohen's kappa of 0.80 and accuracy of 0.91 in the lowlands and a kappa of 0.73 and an accuracy of 0.96 in the mountains. Within the updated forest mask, a 16×16 m raster map was developed with Lorey's height, volume, biomass, and tree species as attributes (SR16-raster). All attributes were predicted with generalized linear models that explained about 70% of the observed variation and had relative RMSEs of about 50%. SR16-raster was segmented into stand-like polygons that are relatively homogenous in respect to tree species, volume, site index, and Lorey's height (SR16-vector). When SR16 was utilized in a combination with the NFI plots and a model-assisted estimator, the precision was on average 2–3 times higher than estimates based on field data only. In conclusion, SR16 is useful for improved estimates from the Norwegian NFI at various scales. The mapped products may be useful as additional information in Forest Management Inventories.

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful for the support of Jostein Frydelund, Hildegunn Norheim, Mattia Natali and Ingvild Nystuen in the development and production of SR16.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Misganu Debella-Gilo http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1452-1395

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).

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