Interpine Innovation

COURSE: YTGEN and Plotsafe Forest Inventory 10th - 12th April 2012
2/03/2012 11:30:00 a.m.
​This course provides a three day introduction to forest inventory utilising the YTGEN and Plotsafe software packages. Held in the computing facility at Waiariki institute of Technology's Mokoia campus in Rotorua; there will also be a field day held in a local forest. A great introduction or recap for all forest inventory technicians and managers this course is taught using examples from Australasia's leading forest inventory and forest yield analysis software. For the first time this year the use of Plotsafe for collecting Field Measurement Approach (FMA) plot data under the ETS the will be covered.   Course Outline Day 1 - Classroom and computer room based Course introduction / Forest inventory sampling design Inventory planning and mapping considerations YTGEN and Plotsafe Introduction Considerations for Field Computers Stem Feature Cruising - RAD05 Collecting FMA data with Plotsafe Plotsafe hands on Day 2 - Field Based Locating and Establishing Plots Field Measurement Techniques Feature Cruising Using RAD05 Techniques for Auditing Inventory Work Day 3 - Computer Lab...

How Accurate Can We Expect Routine Location of Plots Under Forest Canopy Using GPS
24/02/2012 1:50:00 p.m.
Recently, we looked at GPS Precision (EPE). A few questions were also raised about plot location and I thought it might also be good to look at how accurate we could expect to locate the survey point inside the forest under a range of conditions and forest canopies. The dataset used contains 320 survey points located throughout New Zealand. A recreational grade GPS (Garmin Map 60CSX) was used to locate the survey point in the field. At this point a survey grade Trimble ProXT GPS unit was raised to 5m and recorded 300-500 data points over a period of 20mins to 3 hours. This was then post-processed to "geo-fix" the actual field plot. Precision of the fix from the survey grade GPS was usually within 2m.  See this earlier article for more information. Figure 1 shown below displays the horizontal distance from the intended survey point location to that actually fixed in the field using the...

Guide to PlotSafe Data Collection – ETS Forest Measurement Approach – V1 Released
18/01/2012 1:57:00 p.m.
A freely available publication and data collection template is now available to help forest owners and forest inventory providers with electronically capturing carbon forest inventory data for the MAF Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) Forest Measurement Approach (FMA). The manual is a free download from the www.interpine.co.nz website, with only free online registration required to gain access. This provides the New Zealand forest industry with the first way to capture all the ETS FMA data electronically in one place. Data can be captured in PlotSafe forest inventory software in the field using Windows mobile field computers, or in the office using the Windows desktop version of PlotSafe. PlotSafe being the most widely used dedicated forest inventory software in New Zealand and Australia, current licensed users can use this freely available template "FMA11" to collect ETS FMA data immediately without any additional costs. While the guide outlines the collection of ETS FMA data within PlotSafe...

ETS FMA Standardised Inventory Systems for Collection and Analysis
9/12/2011 4:18:00 p.m.
The New Zealand ForestTech 2011 conference was held recently in Rotorua. Interpine's David Herries presented to the delegates a review of a standardised data collection system for electronic collection, storage and export of carbon forest inventory measurement data collected for the ETS FMA (emissions trading scheme forest measurement approach) into formats compliant with the MAF XML information standards. An overview of the Forest Measurement Approach was looked at, allowing delegates to realise the simplicity of the FMA carbon forest inventory, but still understand the importance of correct work scope definition to ensure cost-effective implementation of their FMA measurement programmes. Some practical advice was also covered around pre-deployment specifications for field staff, field plot placement considerations which should be completed before crews travel into the field, stand record observations and photographs, quality assurance considerations and expected productivity of field crews. The main focus of the presentation was to overview the release of...

PlotSafe to Support Data Collection for ETS Forest Measurement Approach (FMA)
17/10/2011 4:42:00 p.m.
Interpine is working on PlotSafe templates to allow the electronic data collection of ETS Forest Measurement Approach using New Zealands most used Forest Inventory Software.    This generic public template will allow users to collect data on windows mobile handheld computers in the field.    If you have any feedback or would like to register your interest in this project and access to the PlotSafe FMA template, please complete our Feedback Form. Updates Posted Here Soon  We will be updating this article with further information over the coming few weeks. We hope to have this template tested and ready for free public distribution in Mid November 2011, about the time MAF will be finalising the MAF Information Standards for FMA.  ----------------------------------------------------------------- 31-Oct-2011 A draft template is being developed by Interpine and David Crawley from PF Olsens.   This is planned for trialling by Interpine and another inventory provider later this month for implementation.   More updates late this week. 14-Nov-2011 A trial version is now...

NZ ETS Forest Measurement Approach (FMA) Released
2/09/2011 9:47:00 p.m.
As of 1 Sept 2011, MAF have now released the New Zealand Emission Trading Scheme Forest Measurement Approach (FMA). Participates can now register to apply for their sample locations, and begin to organise field measurement operations. Interpine has been involved in the development of the FMA for the last 4 years, acting as an advisor through the Technical advisory group for MAF. Therefore we can provide expert advice on your obligations under the act and also implementation and data collection. Interpine will be providing a tailored solution for forest owners wanting to plan and execute FMA across their forests. This can include all or some of the process from initial application and sample plot allocation, through to in field electronic data collection to the FMA standards, and handling the submission and process with MAF. Some Key Questions for Forest Owners to Understand in Terms of the Forest Measurement Approach How...

Pre-1990 Forest Carbon One-off Allocation Deadline Approaching Fast
17/08/2011 3:15:00 p.m.
The government is providing landowners of eligible pre-1990 forest land with a one-off allocation of free NZ units (NZU's – the unit of trade in the NZ ETS which represents 1 tonne of CO2 emissions). The deadline for this allocation is 30 November 2011. If you own an area of land that was planted in trees prior to 1990 and continues to have trees on the land today, you must get in quickly to ensure you don't miss out on this allocation of up to 60 NZU/ha (for example at $20/NZU this is cash payment of ~$1200/ha). This one off allocation is in recognition of the impact that ETS deforestation rules introduced on 1 Jan 2008, have had on land values. This means there are no strings attached; if you do not register you will simply miss out. On acceptance of your allocation you will receive immediately up to 23...

Interpine Secures Nationwide Forest Carbon Inventory for Remeasurement of Post 1989 Forests in 2011,2012
24/03/2011 8:47:00 a.m.
Interpine is set to continue working with the Ministry for the Environment (MFE) to implement a planted forest inventory system for carbon monitoring.  Previous planted forest measurement season were completed in 2007,2008 and 2010 by Interpine on plantation forests throughout New Zealand.   This work is set to continue with Interpine being awarded a two year contract to complete the remeasurement of the Post-89 forests estates during the winter seasons of 2011,2012. Winning the field survey contract reflects a strong relationship that has developed in recent years between Interpine, MFE. Interpine has provided inventory data transcription, collection, software development, calculation and reporting, and storage capability for the LUCAS project since late 2005. The contract is a rewarding reflection of the strong emphasis that Interpine has put on electronic data capture and storage and a strategy of diversifying our client base. The contract will require Interpine to devote 10 staff full time to the project during the winter measurement seasons...

Forest Canopy Drip-line Buffers for the Forest ETS Mapping
18/09/2010 12:21:00 a.m.
There are a number of guidelines and rules to consider when mapping forest areas when applying to be involved in the forestry ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme). One that is often missed by inexperienced forest mapping providers is the need to "position the polygon along the canopy drip-line at maturity". Simple mapping tools such as that provided by the MAF Online ETS tool only allows users to draw lines around forest based on the imagery shown. However this imagery could already be several years old, or the forest itself in the imagery has not yet reached maturity, potentially resulting in an underestimate of the planted forest "net stocked area". Figure 1 shows how even a small buffer of 3m, add a continuous addition of net stocked area to the entire stand boundary.       MAF suggests buffering up to 4m based on the stand age (compared to the date of imagery) and species....

Mapping Your ETS Forests - Overview
17/09/2010 3:50:00 p.m.
If you're entering the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), you are likely to have been asked to map out your forest land. This is the first step used to estimate the total amount of carbon stored (i.e. the forest "carbon stocks"). Apart from determining your forest land area, it also confirms to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) that you have legal rights to the forest area mapped. MAF will also overlay the mapped area with historical aerial photos and satellite imagery reviewing the classification of forest land type (i.e. comparing the forest cover at 1990), to ensure it is correctly allocated into Post-89 Forest Land or Pre-1990 Forest Land. An example of a forest map produced for application into the forestry ETS is shown below. When is a Map Required?Each MAF application process will clearly outline the requirements for mapping and should be consulted before deciding if...

Emissions Trading Scheme Overview - 2010
17/09/2010 12:10:00 p.m.
Understanding the Emission Trading Scheme and Carbon Markets is not always clear cut. Let us take a moment to review. The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the price-based mechanism established by the New Zealand Government to: Reduce net greenhouse gas emissions below business-as-usual levels Comply with our international obligations, including our Kyoto Protocol obligations. The comprehensive scheme is a key part of overall climate change policy and involves all significant greenhouse gases and all sectors including forestry, agriculture, industry, energy, waste and liquid fossil fuels. By introducing a price on greenhouse gases, it provides an incentive for people to reduce emissions and enhance forest sinks. Emissions trading provides flexibility in how participants comply with their obligations, enabling a least-cost response. Figure 1 show how the carbon emission unit trading system is designed to work. Figure 1: Overview in trading carbon units within the ETS (Source: http://www.climatechange.govt.nz) By 2015, once the...

National Level Planted Forest Carbon Inventory – Pre1990 Forests – 2010 Project Overview
16/09/2010 1:53:00 p.m.
INFORMATION RELEASE FOR SURVEY SITE LANDOWNERSPart of the "Land Use and Carbon Analysis System" (LUCAS) Interpine is working with the Ministry for the Environment (MFE) to implement a planted forest inventory system for carbon monitoring. The first planted forest measurements were completed on Post-89 forests in 2007, 2008. This work is continuing in 2010 for pre-1990 forests with additional data being collected on forest health on behalf of the Forest Owners Assosciation. So what is LUCAS ? The New Zealand Land Use and Carbon Analysis System (known as the LUCAS project) is a programme of work to measure and monitor the national level carbon stocks of New Zealand's forests and soils. Carbon stock information is required for New Zealand's reporting requirements under the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. LUCAS is an important part of the Government's climate change policy package and will help inform...

LUCAS Project Finalist in Government ICT Awards
8/11/2009 10:51:00 a.m.
The New Zealand Ministry for the Environment's LUCAS (Land Use and Carbon Analysis System) Project has achieved an exceptional placing, being one of the 4 finalists out of 16 in the Government's ICT (information and communications technology) awards held in late October 2009. The Hewlett-Packard sponsored awards highlight excellence in the development of ICT applications within the New Zealand public sector. The LUCAS Project was developed to house a broad spectrum of New Zealand's land use information. This information is ultimately required to help the New Zealand government meet domestic and international reporting requirements for land use and carbon accounting. As a data warehousing and reporting application, the LUCAS Project is underpinned by three main components: The Geospatial component uses satellite imagery to classify and produce land use maps of NZ in 1990, 2008, and later in 2012. It is based on the ESRI ArcGIS platform. The Gateway component stores...

The NZ Emission Trading Scheme - Considerations for Maori Forest Owners
16/09/2009 2:24:00 p.m.
The NZETS is generally a positive development for forest owners in New Zealand whether Maori or not. Forest owners can now generate additional income through trading carbon credits that are allocated to them as their forests remove carbon from the atmosphere. The scheme is a little confusing but not so complex that the key aspects cannot be described in a couple of pages.   International Background: In 1997 most developed countries made commitments to reduce or stabilise greenhouse gas emissions in order to reduce mankind's affect on global warming/ climate change (the Kyoto Protocol). Greenhouse gas emissions for each participating country were benchmarked at 1990 levels and the first accounting period for emission reconciliation is 2008-2012. The United Nations has developed criteria for measuring how each signatory nation has to account for their emissions at the end of each accounting period. Although there are a number of greenhouse gases, the most...

National Level Planted Forest Carbon Inventory - Post 1989 Forests - Project Overview 2008
16/05/2008 9:38:00 a.m.
INFORMATION RELEASE FOR SURVEY SITE LANDOWNERS Part of the "Land Use and Carbon Analysis System" (LUCAS) Interpine is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Ministry for the Environment (MFE) to implement a planted forest inventory system for carbon monitoring. The first planted forest measurement season was completed in 2007, and this work is continuing in 2008 on sites located throughout NZ . So what is LUCAS ? The New Zealand Land Use and Carbon Analysis System (known as the LUCAS project) is a programme of work to measure and monitor the national level carbon stocks of New Zealand's forests and soils. Carbon stock information is required for New Zealand's reporting requirements under the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. LUCAS is an important part of the Government's climate change policy package and will help inform our future international climate change...