Generalized height–diameter models—an application for major tree species in complex stands of interior British Columbia

Abstract

Using permanent sample-plot data, selected tree height and diameter functions were evaluated for their predictive abilities for major tree species in complex (multiple age, size and species cohort) stands of interior British Columbia (BC), Canada. Two sets of models were evaluated. The first set included five models for estimating height as a function of individual tree diameter, the second set also included five models for estimating height as a function of individual tree diameter and other stand-level attributes. The inclusion of the BAL index (which simultaneously indicates the relative position of a tree and stand density) into the base height–diameter models increased the accuracy of prediction for all species. On average, by including stand level attributes, root mean square values were reduced by 30.0 cm. Based on the residual plots and fit statistics, these models can be recommended for estimating tree heights for major tree species in complex stands of interior BC. The model coefficients are documented for future use.