A Simple Stereophotographic Technique for Analyzing Small Plots

Abstract

Highlight: An inexpensive stereo adapter for a camera provided ~fe~‘o pairs on a single color print. At a camera height of 48 inches, we obtained good resolution of a were required for later assessment of square-foot area and a scale of 1:7. The stereo prints are used with a dot grid overlay foliar cover and composition to be deterand n pocket srereoscope fo estimate foliar cover and composition. mined for each plot. In addition, a slate with a plot code was photographed with During a study of back country meafoliar cover and composition, we devised each plot, providing positive identiticadews in the central Sierra Nevada Mouna simple “photo frame” (Fig. 3). The tiou ofeach Print. tains of California, we needed informaupright portion, bent out of l/&inch tion on foliar cover and composition. We are using the stereo prints with a electrical conduit, was made to set up a Travel in this high country was by helidot grid overlay and a pocket stereoscope camera height of 48 inches. We had found copter and on foot and, therefore, expento estimate foliar cover and composition. that this height produced good resolution sive. We had much ground to cover and a Generally, individual species can be idenof the vegetation on a square-foot area, limited budget. Hence, we needed a tified, but a familiarity with the species