Abstract
This paper studies the applicability of DTM with the resolution of 4 ? 4 m for the analysis of macro-topographic factors (terrain slope, aspect, terrain ruggedness index) and one part of micro-topographic factors (occasional and constant streams) as features important for vehicle mobility during timber skidding. The analysis of directions of timber extraction in relation to the spatial position of primary forest traffic infrastructure of the study area was conducted in order to determine from which forest areas timber will be extracted up or down the slope (moving of loaded vehicle). Determination of water bodies (streams) and the surrounding sensitive areas was carried out using GIS tool TauDEM. Unevenness of the terrain was determined based on the Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI) which showed moderately to very rugged terrain on 60.1% of the research area where vehicle mobility could be difficult (if not impossible) i.e. the necessity of a secondary forest road network is clear. DTM analysis of study area regarding vehicle (skidder) mobility and possible planning of timber extraction indicated different availability and quality of data. Digital terrain models present a good basis for the analysis of key constraints for forestry vehicles mobility or terrain trafficability (slope and direction of timber extraction). Using DTM of higher resolution (e.g. LiDAR images), will increase the accuracy of the results and the quality of the analysis.
Highlights
Planning in forestry is based on three different levels: strategic, tactical and operational (Sessions et al 2007), but planning of timber harvesting together with forest opening considers direct planning of specific filed activities and technologies (Čavlović 2013)
Digital elevation models are a good basis for the analysis of key constraints regarding forestry vehicles mobility and terrain trafficability
By having information on terrain slope, aspect, Terrain Rouggedness Index, timber extraction direction and water protection areas without “leaving the office” one will have the opportunity for an easier forest operation planning regarding:
Summary
Planning in forestry is based on three different levels: strategic, tactical and operational (Sessions et al 2007), but planning of timber harvesting together with forest opening ( planning of silviculture and forest protection activities) considers direct planning of specific filed activities and technologies (Čavlović 2013). At the strategic level of planning timber harvesting and forest opening, due to the terrain diversity, various stand conditions and different ways of forest management, primarily relate to: 1) rough descriptive terrain classifications based on terrain slope analysis (Löffler 1984, Rowan 1977), 2) primary forest road density analysis Most of the research today is based on strategic and tactical level of planning timber harvesting and forest opening (Bumber 2011, Eichrodt and Heinimann 2001 Eichrodt 2003, Enache 2013, Enache et al 2013, Lepoglavec 2014, Lubello 2008, Krč and Beguš 2013, Kühmaier and Stampfer 2010, Kühmaier 2011, Mihelič and Krč 2009, Pellegrini 2012, Pentek 2002, Pentek et al 2008, Suvinen 2006), while those relating to the operational level of planning are rare (Davis and Reisinger 1990, Heinimann and Breschan 2012, Klobučar et al 2012). A series of computer related applications were developed that help in decision-making process at the strategic-tactical level of planning: ACCEL (Bruce et al 2011), CARTS (IFF et al 1984), CPLAN (Chung et al 2004), Logger PC (Jarmer and Sessions 1992), LOGPLAN II (Newham 1991), FORACCES – FORSE – ROADGRAD (Pellegrini, 2012), Forplan (Bare and Field 1987), NETWORK 2000 (Chung and Sessions 2003) , Plans (Twito et al 1987), SlopeRunner (Chung et al 2008), PC 2000 SKID (Spong 2001), SNAP (Chung et al 2012) and others
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