GARRETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SYLLABUS

NRW 270

FOREST MEASUREMENT

This course is technical in focus and will provide the student with the necessary skills to measure forest systems. A variety of current techniques and methodologies on the acquisition, compilation and presentation of forest resource data with a primary focus on timber inventories will be presented.

NRW 270

FOREST MEASUREMENT

MISSION

This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and fundamental skills necessary for acquisition, compilation and presentation of forest resource data. These skills include both theoretical and commonly used practical applications, including proficiency in CFI (continuous forest inventory) techniques and GPS (global positioning systems).

OBJECTIVES

1. The student will acquire the ability to apply the fundamentals of surveying and map interpretation to forest measurement problems.

2. The student will develop the mental and practical skills to measure and compile forest variables, e.g., log rules, scaling, volumes and weights, sampling methods, stand densities, etc.

3. The student will develop a basic proficiency with standard mathematics used in forest measurement.

4. The student will develop technical skills using dataloggers, GPS units and computer-based data management.

5. The student will develop technical skills interpreting aerial photos.

COURSE CONTENT

The following are topics that are covered over the course of a semester. As opportunities arise to

incorporate new and innovative techniques, course content may be modified.

� Introduction to forest measurement

� Surveying and map interpretation

� Log rules and scaling

� Forest inventory

� Volumes and weights

� Field sampling for forest measurement

� Computer applications for forest inventories

� Aerial photo interpretation

� Stocking levels and stand density

� Lab I Scaling at the Mill

� Lab II Techniques in Stand Measurement

� Lab III Point Sampling

� Lab IV Stereoscopic Aerial Photo Interpretation

� Lab V Computer Lab

Teaching Techniques

The instructional approach for this course is based on the following formats:

� Lecture

� Video / Computer media

� Lab exercises

� Field exercises

� Field trips

EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

Students are evaluated and receive a final grade based on the following methods:

� Two Section Exams

� One Final Exam

� CFI Project

� Field Quizzes

COURSE TEXT

"Forest Measurements" by Avery and Burkhart. (4th Edition)