African Journal of Wildlife Research · 1999 · 15 citations · 2 references
Natural ResourcesEcologyForestryForest EcologyForest InventoryForest ManagementCanopy EcologyCanopy StructureForest GrowthTree FormTree MeasurementVolume EstimationCanopy Cover AnalysisCanopy Cover EstimationCanopy Structure MeasurementEstimating Tree VolumeField Data CollectionForest Canopy Cover EstimationTotal Tree VolumeTree Canopy Assessment
A comparison was made between two tree canopy volume estimation techniques by using data collected in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The methods were Biomass Estimates from Canopy Volume (BECVOL) and Arbour Structure (ARBORSTRUQ). Both these methods depend on the mathematical calculation of the volume of geometric shapes, using associated computer programs. The methods were compared on the basis of ease of implementation and similarity of results. Field data were read into both computer programs in order to calculate canopy volumes derived for 13 sample plots. The results were then subjected to an analysis of variance test (ANOVA), which showed no significant difference between the methods when calculating the total canopy volume. However, there was a significant difference in partial canopy volume estimation up to a 2 m browse level due to the different mathematical models used for the volume calculations. In ease of application, the ARBORSTRUQ is more user friendly, whereas the BECVOL one is a more comprehensive package.
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