Interpine Innovation

Collecting Tree / Stem Sectional Measurement Data in PlotSafe V1.5.2
24/04/2012 2:46:00 p.m.
A recent feature we have updated in PlotSafe is the representation of diameters recorded at the stem description level. This allows for increasing diameters to be easily recorded against the stem description. Previous versions of PlotSafe had an inbuilt rule not to allow entry of a diameter larger than previous on the stem. One of the key reasons was to allow for ease of collection of detailed sectional measurement data for the construction or validation of taper and volume equations. Data integrity is still paramount, so to warn the user that an "out of the normal form" data was entered we have introduced a new warning symbol. This looks like a yellow "Nodal Swelling" which appears to the left side of the diameter entered. Figure 1 Example of the new symbol shown next to the 68mm diameter recorded which is greater than the previous diameter lower on the stem. Interpine have developed a new PlotSafe template, based on the NZ Ministry of Forestry, Forest Research Institute Standards for collection of tree volume and taper equation information (FRI 1987). An example of which is shown below in Figure 2. Figure 2 Example of Sectional Measurement Template for collection to the FRI 1987 Standards. If you would like to know more about collection, construction, or validation of volume and taper equations feel free to contact us. References: Gordon. A, Penman. J, 1987 Sampling and Measuring Procedure for Tree Volume and Taper Equation Construction and Testing, Forest Research Institute, Rotorua, New...

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 Hands on

• Handling Production data From the Field
• YTGEN Set-up
• Processing Yields
• YTGEN Advanced Features
• Open Book Test
• Student Choice/Questions
• Examples

For more details please contact Jonathan Dash 07 345 75 73 ex: 709

Course Costs $350 +GST

Fore enrollment please copmlete the registration form and e-mail to jonathan.dash@interpine.co.nz

YTGEN Course Registration Form.docx

Interpine Conducting a Review of Forest Mensuration Equipment from Haglof Sweden
20/01/2012 4:13:00 p.m.

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 it also covers practical tips for implementation and measurement of survey plots that compliments the information provided in the MAF ETS FMA Guide. Topics covered include: FMA11 PlotSafe Template for ETS FMA Data Collection Data entry structure. Plot, subplot and subsample naming. Additional data fields available for the full complement of data collection from shrubs, small trees, entry of all stand record datasets, entry of PSP standard fields or stem cruising using overlapping features. Known limitations of FMA11 Conversion of data to MAF XML standards Practical Tips for Implementation and Collection of ETS FMA Data Background learning Locating plots, including...

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 a freely available template for the data collection of FMA data in the field using PlotSafe handheld data collection software. This allows collection of all the required data by using PlotSafe on a Windows Mobile device in the field or in the office using a Windows computer. Data is then downloaded to Interpine and as a service can easily be converted into the MAF compliant data formats. Note that some participants may want to also provide a bulk upload a file of all the stand record information, rather than typing this directly into the PlotSafe field template. For more information...

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 being worked through with Interpine field crews implementing this from next week.   A short 10 page document is being drafted to work through how to use the template to enter data for the FMA. 08-Dec-2011 Interpine has just presented the functionality and service available for management of FMA datasets at ForestTech 2011.   This presentation is now available online as part of the article located here.   We have now completed over 100 plots using the PlotSafe template and will be looking at formally releasing it publicly in the next 2 weeks. 22-12-2011 Interpine took the MAF FMA team into the field last week to finalise...

YTGEN and Plotsafe Training April 27-29 - Rotorua
1/04/2011 3:48:00 p.m.

​YTGEN and PLOTSAFE
Forest Inventory - 3 Day Training Course – NZQA Level 5 – Unit 20584

Run in association with Waiariki Institute of Technology and Silmetra Ltd, Interpine will be providing a 3 day introduction course to Forest Inventory utilising the YTGEN and PLOTSAFE software packages.
The course was held at the Wairariki campus which has computer terminals for all course participates, and together with a field training day provides for a very hands-on training experience.

 

 

 

Current Course Content:

Day 1 – Classroom and Computer Room Based

• Course Introduction / Forest Inventory Sampling Techniques Overview
• Inventory Planning and Mapping Considerations
• YTGEN and PLOTSAFE Intro
• Considerations when dealing with Field Computers
• Stem Feature Cruising – RAD05
• PlotSafe Hands-on - Computer Room

Day 2 – Based in local forest

• Locating and Setting Up Plots
• Field measurement techniques
• Feature cruising using RAD05 and PLOTSAFE
• Techniques for auditing inventory work

Day 3 – Computer Lab Hands-on

• Handling Production Data from the Field
• YTGEN Set-up
• YTGEN Processing Yields
• YTGEN Advanced Features
• Open Book Test
• Student Choice / Questions / Examples

If you are interested in attending please contact Jonathan Dash (jonathan.dash@interpine.co.nz) for more information.

Course Costs : $350+GST.

New Pruned Height Indicators in PlotSafe V1.4
27/03/2011 9:36:00 p.m.

Interpine in China, Review and Training of Forest Inventory Systems and Practices
25/01/2011 9:59:00 a.m.
2010 saw some interesting projects undertaken both here in New Zealand and overseas. One of these was a trip to China, looking at inventory systems and techniques used for forest sale and purchase transactions in several different provinces. China is a very large country and one of the first things that hits' you is its diversity. The trip involved a look at several plantation and natural forests types throughout China. Image Above: David Herries discussing stem feature descriptions with one of the local forest managers. Forest measurement is very much a science for which practices are almost international in their context.  Language is often not a barrier to the understanding with many of the core principals well understood and used throughout the regions we visited. Part of the trip was designed to train and educate some of the staff on stem feature cruising techniques and implement YTGEN and PLOTSAFE for use. This proved extremely successful with field staff involved in the training often having a masters degree at least and therefore understand well the principals behind both the software and the techniques in the field.   Yes you heard the right inventory crews made up of master graduates in forestry.   It was great to see field crews running with the system within a couple days of the training starting. Image Above: Popular plantation assessment The Juniper Systems Allegro units where loaded with the Chinese version of the Windows Mobile 6, which made the introduction to Plotsafe very easy. They could even custom their PlotSafe templates...

Modelling Tree Height in YTGEN
10/11/2010 1:48:00 p.m.
Which trees should be height trees? Tree heights are among the most time consuming and difficult measurements to take in a forest inventory. The measurer must be an adequate distance away from the tree to get an accurate measure of height (angle to tip must be <50 degrees from horizontal), and must also find a location where the top and reference height (often DBH) of the tree can be clearly sighted. As a result height is generally only measured on a sub sample of the trees in a stand, as opposed to diameter at breast height (DBH) which is measured for every tree; therefore the field team must decide which trees to measure height on. During the conversion of Plotsafe forest inventory files into YTGEN format a tree height is calculated for all trees where height has not been measured. Height and DBH data collected from the stand is used to build a relationship between tree height and DBH so it is important that tree heights are measured from trees across the diameter range present in the population. This will improve the precision of the height predictions which will be more accurate when within the range of the data used to fit the model. This is based on the assumption that in any one set of trees in a stratum the larger the diameter of the tree, the taller it is. Height measurement should also be avoided on trees with excessive lean, trees exhibiting edge effect, or broken top or...

Interpine in the South Pacific - Implementing YTGEN and PLOTSAFE
5/11/2010 2:26:00 p.m.
Plotsafe and YTGEN course in Fiji In September 2010 Interpine were contracted to provide the first Plotsafe and YTGEN training course in the Fijian Islands. After some hard-fought arguments, and at times physical confrontations, at the Interpine office, Resource Forester Jonathan Dash emerged as the victor, and packed his bags to take up his assignment in the tropical paradise, leaving the kiwi winter behind.   The training course was provided in association with Fiji National University (FNU) and was held at the College of Agriculture, Fishery Science and Forestry in Nausori, Suva with the warm tropical breeze gently blowing in from the South Pacific. The training course was attended by over twenty foresters from Fiji Hardwood Corporation as well as students from the Tropical Forestry diploma course at FNU. The software products YTGEN and Plotsafe were installed in FNU's computer lab and licences to use the products for research and education purposes were kindly provided by Silmetra Limited. FNU's head of forestry Maika Tabukovu is an ex-Interpine staff member and recognised the potential of the Plotsafe and YTGEN products for Fijian forestry whilst working in New Zealand. Mr. Tabukovu is delighted to be able to use the software as an educational tool for his students and is now working closely with Interpine and Fiji Hardwoods to bring the benefits of a commercial application of the products to Fijian forestry.   The South Pacific breeze rustles palm trees at Fiji National University   Fijian Mahogany The field component of the course was held at the Nukurua forest...

Secure File Storage for PlotSafe Data
15/07/2007 3:51:00 p.m.
  Data security is critical. PlotSafe has been created with a number of features to help secure your data from loss or corruption, and hence its name.   PlotSafe is designed to run on Windows CE3.0+ and PocketPC 2002+. On each of these devices you will need to setup directories (folders) to store your data. It is important to consider the location of these folders to ensure that your data is safe when your batteries run out.   We recommend three directories are setup after you install PlotSafe.   \Data A place to store all current data being collected. Use the Edit > Settings > Options > Default data location to set this as the default data storage location.   \Templates A place to store template (skeleton files) which can be used to create new inventory files for each dictionary used.   \Backup A place where you can store old data files. Also where you will define PlotSafe to store the "Autosave" copy of the current active PlotSafe file. Use the Edit > Settings > Options > Backup location, to set this.   These are not installed automatically as it depends on what type of device you have to where you should install them.   Recommended Pocket PC 2002,2003 Storage Locations Setup It is important to store all data on an external flash ROM card such as Compact flash or SD cards (some devices have an internal flash ROM card that appears as"In-built storage", which can be considered a safe place for data). See more info below "Why is Windows Mobile 5 different" Also PocketPC devices have...

Considerations when using Basal Area Secondary Tally Plots During Pre-harvest Style Forest Inventory
15/01/2007 4:57:00 p.m.
Many foresters planning pre-harvest inventory in Pinus radiata in New Zealand consider the option of placing secondary basal area tally plots (aka prism plots) in addition to the normal primary plots. This can be valid way of conducting inventory in some circumstances, although this article would like to highlight some considerations foresters should take before implementing this technique.   For and against adding secondary basal area (BA) tally plots into an inventory. Angle-gauge prism (BA Prism) point samples provide an easy and cost efficient way of collecting basal area.   However where determination of stocking is also a prime aim of the inventory bounded plots are more efficient and useful. Stem basal area provides a good correlation with stem volume, and hence you can arrive at a volume-basal area ratio (by using the sub sample of basal area and volume from the primary plots).    This can then provide additional information to improve basal area and volume calculations at time of cruise. Stem basal area and log volume out-turn does not have a good correlation as this can be driven more by stocking more than BA.   Hence one of the reasons for most of our inventory being based on bounded plots as these will provide a far better assessment of stocking that variable radius BA plots. One of the most important issues with basal area plots is they cannot be easily grown forward, as most growth models require more information over and above just BA.   So secondary BA provides...

YTGEN and PLOTSAFE Forest Inventory Courses 3 day Introduction Course
15/12/2006 3:52:00 p.m.

PLOTSAFE Forest Inventory Procedures Manual Available
15/12/2006 3:17:00 p.m.