- Description
- Students build on measuring skills through researching and examining current forest inventory practices and demonstrating appropriate strategies for sampling the fibre and nonfibre value of forests.
- Prerequisite
- FOR2060: Forest Mensuration1
- Parameters
- Access to a demonstration forest and forest measurement tools; e.g., binoculars, clinometers, computer and software, first aid supplies, soil testing kit, personal protective equipment, 30-metre tape, GPS unit computer and appropriate software.
Outcomes The student will:
1 describe random and systematic sampling techniques for gathering information about the forest as a resource
1.1 describe different sampling designs and techniques, including:
1.1.1 random
1.1.2 systematic
1.2 describe sample designs and techniques most suited to gathering data about specific forest components
1.3 identify bias and error in sampling design and issues related to the use of sample data in estimating forest populations
2 gather sample data to estimate fibre and nonfibre values in a forested region
2.1 identify and follow safety practices and policies relevant to gathering sample data in the forest
2.2 identify goals and outcomes for a forest survey
2.3 identify the type and amount of information regarding the forest resource that is required
2.4 design techniques for sampling the forest region that are most suited to gathering the type of information required
2.5 calculate and locate the boundary of the sample area within the forest region
2.6 gather data regarding the volume and/or condition of timber resources within the sample plots
2.7 gather data regarding the nature of other nonfibre resources present within the sample plots
2.8 record and compile sample data regarding fibre and nonfibre resources in appropriate tables and charts to estimate fibre volumes and other nonfibre values within the forest region
2.9 assess the strengths and weaknesses of the sample data and conclusions made about the forest
3 demonstrate an understanding of the applications of forest inventory data in resource management
3.1 explain applications of timber cruise data in resource management; e.g., estimating total wood volume, projecting future forest growth, planning harvest operations
3.2 explain applications of nonfibre data in resource management; e.g., monitoring water and soil quality, determining potential for recreation, monitoring wildlife population densities and trends
3.3 interpret a set of sample forest survey data; e.g., consider bias, error and other limitations in the sample data, extrapolate the data to estimate forest populations, suggest applications of the data in resource management, consider modifying the sample design to increase the accuracy of the survey
4 describe current forest inventory practices
4.1 describe applications of technology in gathering and storing data about the forest resource; e.g., aerial photography, satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer modelling
4.2 explain the importance of verifying (ground truthing) data gathered through remote sensing
4.3 predict forest inventory technologies and practices in the future
4.4 outline the objectives of a current forest inventory research project; e.g., an initiative of the Canadian Forestry Service, an Alberta Research Council project
5 demonstrate basic competencies
5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
5.1.1 communicate
5.1.2 manage information
5.1.3 use numbers
5.1.4 think and solve problems
5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
5.2.2 be responsible
5.2.3 be adaptable
5.2.4 learn continuously
5.2.5 work safely
5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
5.3.1 work with others
5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
6.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
6.2 identify steps to achieve goals
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.