Field Inventory Research Articles

Preliminary estimation of carbon stock in a logging concession with a forest management plan in East Cameroon

ABSTRACTLogging operations in Cameroon are based on the extraction of wood from natural forests. In this article, we assessed the carbon stock in a forest management unit (FMU) located in East Cameroon from field inventory to postfelling operations up to sawmill and export terminals. Tree basal area and aboveground biomass were calculated based on trees inventoried in the annual allowable cut. We observed that from an exploitable tree potential of 0.696 trees ha−1 inventoried within a diameter range of 50–110 cm, 0.141 tree ha−1 (i.e., 20% of the inventoried trees) were logged. In other words, out of 6.78 tC ha−1 inventoried, 1.84 tC ha−1 (i.e., 27% was logged), 1.62 tC ha−1 arrived in the log yard and 1.3 tC ha−1 arrived in sawmill, while 0.32 tC ha−1 reached the export terminal. In terms of damages caused on vegetation, 4.45% of all the annual allowance cut (AAC) were affected during logging activities, this represents almost 33,188.07 tons of carbon. These findings show that the implementation of reduced-impact logging (RIL) could reduce these losses throughout the logging steps and help propose a process for the valuation of wood waste in the forest and sawmill. In this context, reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation will be engaged with the right approach.

Trait modality distribution of aquatic macrofauna communities as explained by pesticides and water chemistry.

Analyzing functional species’ characteristics (species traits) that represent physiological, life history and morphological characteristics of species help understanding the impacts of various stressors on aquatic communities at field conditions. This research aimed to study the combined effects of pesticides and other environmental factors (temperature, dissolved oxygen, dissolved organic carbon, floating macrophytes cover, phosphate, nitrite, and nitrate) on the trait modality distribution of aquatic macrofauna communities. To this purpose, a field inventory was performed in a flower bulb growing area of the Netherlands with significant variation in pesticides pressures. Macrofauna community composition, water chemistry parameters and pesticide concentrations in ditches next to flower bulb fields were determined. Trait modalities of nine traits (feeding mode, respiration mode, locomotion type, resistance form, reproduction mode, life stage, voltinism, saprobity, maximum body size) likely to indicate pesticides impacts were analyzed. According to a redundancy analysis, phosphate -and not pesticides- constituted the main factor structuring the trait modality distribution of aquatic macrofauna. The functional composition could be ascribed for 2–4 % to pesticides, and for 3–11 % to phosphate. The lack of trait responses to pesticides may indicate that species may have used alternative strategies to adapt to ambient pesticides stress. Biomass of animals exhibiting trait modalities related to feeding by predation and grazing, presence of diapause form or dormancy, reproduction by free clutches and ovoviviparity, life stage of larvae and pupa, was negatively correlated to the concentration of phosphate. Hence, despite the high pesticide pollution in the area, variation in nutrient-related stressors seems to be the dominant driver of the functional composition of aquatic macrofauna assembly in agricultural ditches.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10646-016-1671-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long Term Positive Effect of Grassland Restoration on Plant Diversity - Success or Not?

Restoration is important for biodiversity conservation worldwide, but surprisingly little is known about its efficiency in a long-term perspective. In this study, we re-examined Swedish semi-natural grasslands 12–20 years after the restoration, by comparing field inventories of vascular plant species diversity made in 2001 with follow-up inventories in 2012. We also analysed restoration effect in relation to six environmental factors and used continuously managed semi-natural grasslands as references of desired state after restoration. We found that total species richness increased over time but not to reference levels, while there were no significant changes in species density or number of grassland specialists. However, the overall species composition in the restored sites, as well as grassland specialist composition, now largely resembled reference conditions. Fertilisation and time between abandonment and restoration were the only environmental variables that affected total species composition change, while site area affected change in grassland specialist composition. Our results show that restoration of semi-natural grasslands can contribute to conservation of semi-natural habitats and their associated biodiversity. Yet, due to the vague restoration goals for these sites, it is difficult to evaluate the restoration success, which emphasise the general need for clear and measurable goals.

Why ritual plant use has ethnopharmacological relevance

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAlthough ritual plant use is now recognised both for its socio-cultural importance and for its contribution to nature conservation, its potential pharmacological effects remain overlooked. Aim of the studyOur objective was to see whether ritual plant use could have ethnopharmacological relevance through practices that involve direct physical contact with the human body. We hypothesise that ritual practices reflect traditional knowledge on biological activities of plant species, even if plants are used in a symbolic way. Materials and methodsData were collected in collaboration with traditional healers and ritual plant vendors and harvesters in Benin (West Africa) and Gabon (Central Africa). Both ritual and medicinal uses of plants were recorded. Voucher specimens were collected and identified. We documented different administration routes of ritual plants and selected those whose uses involved direct contact with the human body. Based on our quantitative market surveys and field inventories, we identified 24 commercially or otherwise culturally important species and compared their ritual uses with proven biological activity from the literature. ResultsWe recorded 573 plant species with 667 ritual uses, of which ca. 75% (442 species and 499 uses) implied direct contact with the human body. The most common route of administration for ritual treatments was baths, followed by oral ingestion and skin rubbing. One third (186 species) of all ritual plants doubled as medicine for physical ailments. In contrast to previous research that explained the effectiveness of ritual plant use to be a matter of belief, our results hint at the potential medicinal properties of these plants. Ritual treatment of madness caused by evil spirits by the consumption of Rauvolfia vomitoria roots, for example, may be based on the species' proven anticonvulsant properties. Discussion and conclusionWe discuss some of the possible implications of ritual plant use for public health and conclude by suggesting that ritual plant uses that do not involve contact with the human body may also be vehicles for the transmission of traditional medicinal knowledge.

“Laser Discoverers” – Web‐based User‐generated Content in Heritage Detection in Poland

AbstractThis article presents the results and potential of using volunteered geographic information (VGI) in heritage detection. Research was completed under the project entitled “Laser Discoverers – non‐invasive examination and documentation of archeological and historical objects in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship”, carried out as a part of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education program entitled “The Paths of Copernicus”. Within the project, strong emphasis was placed on promotional and awareness‐raising activities, to involve as many voluntary users as possible. Project participants had at their disposal a web application, which provided access to a digital terrain model (DTM) where they identified possible heritage objects. All samples of data were additionally available in eight variants of sunshine, based on the simulation of sunlight from eight directions and at a constant angle. In total, 5,989 elementary areas with dimensions of 100 × 100 m were used for the project. After conducting a field inventory, Internet users together with specialists were able to recognize several thousands of potential archaeological and historic objects. During the project, approximately 10% of those features were verified through non‐invasive (field survey) work, with 75% success.

Sixty percent of small coffee farms have suitable socio-economic and environmental locations in Rwanda

Evaluating crop suitability is usually based on traditional land approaches in many countries, using only agro-ecological zoning and soil data. However, land use is also controlled by socio-economic and other biophysical factors. It is actually unknown how coffee suitability is influenced by such socio-economic and biophysical factors. Therefore, here, we studied all known factors that influence coffee production in Rwanda using an inventory of small holder coffee fields, including at least 200 coffee trees. We identified 29 potential factors, including demography, and environmental factors such as climate, soil and topography. These factors were reduced to 17 variables explaining 86 % of the total dataset variability, by factor analysis. The dataset was subsequently stratified into ten agro-ecological zones, yielding regional models that explain regional variability of coffee field density up to 54 %. Regional models show that 60 % of the actual coffee farms are located in suitable locations.

The role of cocoa agroforestry systems in conserving forest tree diversity in the Central region of Cameroon

This paper seeks to examine the contribution of cocoa-based agroforestry systems (CAFS) in the conservation of native tree species of nearby forests. The study was conducted in two sites in Mbankomo sub-division of Cameroon, where a field inventory was carried out in both land use systems in 26 sample plots of 30 × 30 m2 each, in 20 cocoa agroforest plots and six adjacent secondary forests plots. Tree diversity, composition and structure in the cocoa agroforests and secondary forests were characterized, α-diversity was evaluated and similarity/dissimilarity of species composition assessed using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). The results reveal that all the CAFS appear to conserve 46 % of forest tree species found in nearby forests. This may be justified by the multipurpose use of forest tree species during the implementation and the evolution of the CAFS on a spatial–temporal scale. CAFS harbored lower forest tree species diversity at the plot level compared to nearby forest stands meanwhile the non-parametric estimator suggested that both land uses conserve approximately the same species richness. Mean values for species richness, the Shannon and reciprocal Simpsons indices diversity, stem density and basal area were significantly higher in forests than in CAFS (p < 0.001). The NMDS showed a clear dissimilarity which was confirmed by the Rstatistic = 0.998 and p value = 0.009 of the analysis of similarities test between cocoa agroforests and forest stands. In conclusion, the results show that CAFS can serve as reservoirs for the conservation of forest tree species; this can be expanded if the issue of ownership of timber forest trees is addressed in the forest law.

Monotemporal assessment of the population structure of Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne ssp. raddiana (Savi) Brenan in Bou Hedma National Park, Tunisia: A terrestrial and remote sensing approach

Soil erosion and desertification are the main problems faced by the Bou-Hedma National Park in South-Tunisia. Restoration of the original woodland cover, particularly by afforestation and reforestation with Acacia tortilis ssp. raddiana, has been recognized as efficient to combat further degradation of the environment in this protected area. In order to study effects of woodland restoration and future trends in Bou-Hedma, it is essential to accurately assess its current situation. This paper addresses a monotemporal assessment of the population structure of A. tortilis. An extensive field inventory was performed to provide deeper insight into the dendrometric characteristics of this keystone species. Next, a spatially explicit and repeatable method is developed to model key tree attributes like crown diameter, volume and tree height from which the structural composition of the A. tortilis population in the Bou Hedma National Park is derived. This method involves analysis of a very high resolution (VHR) GeoEye-1 image within an OBIA (Object-based Image Analysis) framework. The remote sensing (RS) results show that the population of A. tortilis is typified by an irregular population structure and confirm the findings of Noumi and Chaieb (2012) suggesting regressive population dynamics. The RS approach demonstrates potential for monitoring purposes in this particular setting of an arid environment.

Taxonomy of Atlantic Central African orchids 5. A new species of Angraecum sect. Conchoglossum (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) from Gabon and Cameroon.

Recent field inventories and taxonomic research in Central Africa have resulted in the discovery of many new orchid species. Five specimens of an apparently new Angraecum species were collected in Gabon and Cameroon. They stand out for their hanging habit and short zig-zag stem. Morphology of leaves and habit is somewhat comparable to Angraecum cultriforme and Angraecum stolzii, two species from East Africa. Flowers of the novelty share the general morphology of Angraecum pyriforme from which the new species is distinguished by being smaller and with a different lip-spur ratio. Here we show that these five specimens represent a new species, described here as Angraecum lanceolatum. The distinguishing traits include thin lanceolate leaves, convolute distally, with a rhombic lip shape. Dichotomous key to four Central African species of sect. Conchoglossum and a table of the diagnostic characters of the seven related Continental African Angraecum taxa are included here. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of Angraecum lanceolatum is provided, using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Evaluation of a combined spatial multi-criteria evaluation model and deterministic model for landslide susceptibility mapping

This study evaluated the application of a combined spatial multi-criteria evaluation model and deterministic model for landslide susceptibility mapping in Deokjeok-ri Creek, located in the northeastern part of Korea. This region has frequent shallow landslides often caused by intense rainfall on weathered granite soil slopes. This study compared the predictive capability of two different models: a spatial multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) model, which is a semi-quantitative model, and a shallow landslide stability (SHALSTAB) model, which is a deterministic model used to produce shallow landslide susceptibility maps. For the SMCE model, input layers of landslide causative factors (i.e., topographic, hydrological, soil, forest, and geological factors) were prepared for pairwise comparison to obtain susceptibility weightage. For SHALSTAB, a digital elevation model was used to calculate slope and wetness indices. Field inventories were used to validate and combine the two models. A comparison of the susceptibility map obtained from the SMCE method with that obtained with the SHALSTAB method revealed that the total mismatch area between the two maps for all three susceptibility classes was about 53%. Therefore, the two results were combined to improve the reliability of the susceptibility map. The performance of the combined map was determined using the receiver operator curve (ROC). The area under curve (AUC) revealed a success accuracy of 79.56%, and the predictive accuracy was 83.6%. These results demonstrate that the combined model was more accurate than either individual model at delineating landslide-prone areas of weathered granite soil slopes.

Tree Diversity at La Mesa Watershed in Luzon, a Reforested Urban Watershed

The condition of a watershed is vital to its provision of goods and services. Unfortunately, in the Philippines, a lot of watersheds are degraded due to various causes like deforestation and mining. Restoration of these areas has been initiated through reforestation, with limited information generated on the impact of such practice to the overall tree diversity in the area. As such, a study was conducted at La Mesa Watershed (LMW), situated near an urban area, to determine the impact of reforestation on tree diversity. Data were generated through a field inventory of trees following a stratified cluster sampling technique where the area was subdivided into three elevation classes ( 150 masl) and a corresponding number of plots were established in each classes. Results showed a relatively high diversity of native trees with 70 species of the total 92. Fourteen species are found to be endemic to the country while 7 species are listed in either the IUCN or Philippine Red List.. The current vegetation in LMW shows a rare success story of reforestation efforts in the country implemented through private-public partnerships.  Keywords: La Mesa Watershed, restoration, plant diversity, endemism, environmental services

Mapping site index and volume increment from forest inventory, Landsat, and ecological variables in Tahoe National Forest, California, USA

High-resolution site index (SI) and mean annual increment (MAI) maps are desired for local forest management. We integrated field inventory, Landsat, and ecological variables to produce 30 m SI and MAI maps for the Tahoe National Forest (TNF) where different tree species coexist. We converted species-specific SI using adjustment factors. Then, the SI map was produced by (i) intensifying plots to expand the training sets to more climatic, topographic, soil, and forest reflective classes, (ii) using results from a stepwise regression to enable a weighted imputation that minimized the effects of outlier plots within classes, and (iii) local interpolation and strata median filling to assign values to pixels without direct imputations. The SI (reference age is 50 years) map had an R2of 0.7637, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 3.60, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.07 m. The MAI map was similarly produced with an R2of 0.6882, an RMSE of 1.73, and a MAE of 1.20 m3·ha−1·year−1. Spatial patterns and trends of SI and MAI were analyzed to be related to elevation, aspect, slope, soil productivity, and forest type. The 30 m SI and MAI maps can be used to support decisions on fire, plantation, biodiversity, and carbon.

A Proposed Geoheritage Inventory System: Case Study of Isalo National Park, Madagascar

Geological heritage inventory procedures and templates have been principally emerged from European countries. Each of these countries has developed its proper method of inventory based on its natural heritage, recognized on local and/or regional scales. Natural sites were mainly identified and characterized in a particular geological context, which is usually very unique, valuable and impressive; resulting in the protection of the sites. Madagascar is known internationally as a beautifully landscaped island, but the impressive sites were not cataloged. We carried out a series of field inventory of potential geological sites within the Isalo National Park in southern Madagascar. We invented several inventory sheets in order to record the most detailed information about the sites identified within the park. This is to aid in organizing the park and to establish a sustainable base for the creation of a geopark, and also they help us to build a database for geosites and their classifications. This article suggests a prototype model for inventorying intangible geosites, paleosites and geomorphosites. Our inventory sheets help to identify and to promote geological importance of any sites, not only for academia but also for other sectors such as tourism and conservation.

VegEgypt ecoinformatics: contribution to Sinai flora and vegetation

This study is aimed at collection of all available phytosociological data on vegetation of Sinai Peninsula, a region that is still poorly explored. An overview of the plant communities of Sinai is compiled based on additional field work and inventories. The database for Sinai vegetation will serve as a nucleus for the National Vegetation Databank of Egypt—‘VegEgypt’. Aspects like species richness, species turnover, conservation categories, and endemism were given special attention. The database was set up and analysed using the Turboveg and Juice programs. A matrix of 816 releves and 496 species belonging to 69 families and 281 genera formed the basis for further analysis. Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae were the most represented families. The lists contain 52 threatened, 16 endemic and 20 sub-endemic species. The percentage of endemic species is highest in insular floras, peninsulas and mountain chains. The vegetation analysis resulted in 21 associations. The plant associations on sand habitats have the lowest species richness and species turnover because of water scarcity. On the other hand, plant communities or associations inhabiting rocky habitats have the highest species richness and species turnover.

Estimation of Above Ground Forest Biomass and Carbon Stock by Integrating Lidar, Satellite Image and Field Measurement in Nepal

For the first time in South Asia, the model-based Lidar Assisted Multisource Program (LAMP) was tested in 23500 km2 TAL area of Nepal by integrating 5% LiDAR sampling, wall-to-wall Rapid Eye satellite image and a representative field inventory to estimate Above Ground Biomass (AGB) and carbon stock. The average 1.26/m2LiDAR point density recorded by the scanner was used to measure canopy height and build a model using LiDAR variables and model coefficients. The developed LAMP model successfully estimated the AGB of the study area. The research tells that the study area comprises almost 50% forest cover with an average 211.63 t/ha AGB.Standing carbon stock was converted from AGB by multiplying the 0.47 which is default carbon fraction. Average standing carbon stock is 99.47 t/ha in the study area. The LAMP method found that the standing total AGB was 214.85-208.41 t/ha at a 95% confidence level and the FRA field-plot AGB estimate is 210.09/ha. This correspondence at this level of confidence means that the LAMP estimates are as accurate as those of the field-based inventory.J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 160-170

Forest structure of Mediterranean yew (Taxus baccata L.) populations and neighbor effects on juvenile yew performance in the NE Iberian Peninsula

Aim of study: In the Mediterranean region, yew (Taxus baccata L.) usually grows with other tree species in mixed forests. Yew recruitment and juvenile growth may depend on the structure of the forest and the net balance between competition for soil water and nutrients with neighbors and facilitation that these neighbors exert by protecting the plants from direct sun exposure. This study aims, at a regional scale, to analyze the structure of forests containing yew, and, on an individual level, to analyze the effect of the surrounding vegetation structure on the performance of yew juveniles.Area of study: The structural typologies of yew populations were defined based on field inventories conducted in 55 plots distributed in 14 localities in the North-Eastern (NE) Iberian Peninsula, covering a wide range of yew distribution in the area. In a second step, an analysis of neighboring species' effects on juveniles was conducted based on the data from 103 plots centered in yew juveniles in five localities.Main Results: A cluster analysis classified the inventoried stands into four forest structural types: two multi-stratified forests with scattered yew and two yew groves. Multiple regression modeling showed that the δ13C measured in last year's leaves positively relates to the basal area of conifer neighbors, but negatively with the cover of the yew crown by other trees.Research highlights: At a stand-level, the density of recruits and juveniles (625 ± 104 recruits ha-1, 259 ± 55 juveniles ha-1) in mixed forests was found to be higher than that on yew dominant stands (181 ± 88 recruits ha-1 and 57 ± 88 juveniles ha-1). At an individual-level, the water stress (estimated from leaf δ13C) of yew juveniles seems alleviated by the crown cover by neighbors while it increases with the basal area of conifers. Yew conservation should focus on selective felling for the reduction of basal area of neighbors surrounding the target tree, but avoid affecting the canopy cover to contribute to enhanced yew juvenile growth.Keywords: Biodiversity conservation; δ13C; forest management; plant-plant interaction; recruitment; Taxus baccata; water use efficiency.

Flora of Kiritimati (Christmas) Atoll, Northern Line Islands, Republic of Kiribati

This paper is a compilation and analysis of all vascular plants that have been reported on Kiritimati (Christmas) Atoll in the Northern Line Islands of the Republic of Kiribati. It is based on field inventories conducted by the authors on six field visits to the atoll between 1996 and 2012 plus available published and unpublished records of vascular plant collections and observations made on the atoll. The total number of vascular plant species that have been recorded at some time on Kiritimati, including all indigenous and introduced species (whether in cultivation or not) is 168, plus three hybrids and three additional varieties, making a total of 174 taxa. Of these, three records are doubtful, leaving a reliably reported total of 171 taxa in 166 species. Only 10 of the reported taxa were not seen by one or other of us in the period 1996–2012, and of these at least six have probably died out on the island, leaving an extant flora of around 165 reliably recorded taxa (including the hybrids and varieties) in 160 species. There have been no ferns or gymnosperms recorded on the island. Probably only 15 (9%) or perhaps up to 19 of the reliably reported species are native, and most of the present-day flora is made up of deliberate or unintentional introductions made since the date of European discovery of the atoll. Of these, at least 54 and perhaps up to 59 species have naturalized.

Diameter-height models for the Terai tree species

Tree diameter-height relationship can be used as a key input component in forest growth and yield models, and description of stand dynamics. Various models of stem diameter and height relation were developed. Those were formulated and implemented during Terai forest inventory data calculations in the Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) Nepal Project. The field inventory was conducted from December, 2010 to March, 2011. The Concentric Circular Sample Plot was designed where the diameters at breast height of all the tallied trees and the heights of the sampled trees were measured. The data were handled with R-script in R Programme to generate non-linear mixed effects models in ‘lmfor’ package of forest biometrics functions of Mehtatalo. Different non-linear models were used to fit the diameter-height relation, which performed well in describing the relationships between the diameters and the heights of the Terai tree species depending on the sample size. The models were selected as the best fitted based on the statistical results such as standard error, Adjusted R2, RMSE and residuals. The best models for Shorea robusta and Terminalia alata were generated using Wykoff’s and Naslund’s functions, respectively.Banko Janakari, A Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 25, No. 1Page: 50-54

Accounting for the indirect area effect in stacked species distribution models to map species richness in a montane biodiversity hotspot

AbstractAimUnderstanding how species richness is distributed is a critical prerequisite to implement efficient conservation strategies in biodiversity hotspots. Stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) provide new opportunities to map species richness, but the accuracy of this method may decline with elevation. Here, we test whether variation in model accuracy arises from increasingly unpredictable environments or the decreasing availability of area with increasing elevation, which might affect the regional pool of species and, as a result, the local species richness (the indirect area effect).LocationThe New Caledonian biodiversity hotspot (south‐west Pacific Ocean).MethodsAn individual MAXENT model was built for 562 tree species by combining eight 100‐m resolution environmental variables with c. 10,000 occurrence records. For each species, a map was produced at a one‐hectare scale indicating the estimated habitat suitability. All models were then summed, and the resulting estimates were compared with richness measured in 11 independent one‐hectare inventories. To account for the indirect area effect, S‐SDM estimates were adjusted through the Arrhenius' equation linking the number of species hosted by a habitat with its surface area.ResultsThe S‐SDM predictions ranged from 95 to 251 species (mean = 153) while field inventories were lower, ranging from 39 to 131 species (mean = 90). Overall, the S‐SDM increasingly overestimated richness as elevation increased. Taking into account the indirect area effect de‐correlated residuals from elevation and induced a significant correlation between modelled and measured species richness.ConclusionThe decreasing accuracy of the S‐SDM with elevation was explained by the decreasing availability of habitat influencing regional diversity found in each elevational band. Despite remaining difficulties to predict species richness when addressing the indirect area effect, our findings represent a significant step forward towards improved S‐SDM designing.

Forest Data Collection Using Terrestrial Image-Based Point Clouds From a Handheld Camera Compared to Terrestrial and Personal Laser Scanning

Stereo images have long been the main practical data source for the high-accuracy retrieval of 3-D information over large areas. However, stereoscopy has been surpassed by laser scanning (LS) techniques in recent years, particularly in forested areas, because the reflection of laser points from object surfaces directly provides 3-D geometric features and because the laser beam has good penetration capacity through forest canopies. In the last few years, image-based point clouds have become a more widely available data source because of advances in matching algorithms and computer hardware. This paper explores the possibility of using consumer cameras for forest field data collection and presents an application of terrestrial image-based point clouds derived from a handheld camera to forest plot inventories. In the experiment, the sample forest plot was photographed in a stop-and-go mode using different routes and camera settings. Five data sets were generated from photographs taken in the field, representing different photographic conditions. The stem detection accuracy ranged between 60% and 84%, and the root-mean-square errors of the estimated diameters at breast height were between 2.98 and 6.79 cm. The performance of image-based point clouds in forest data collection was compared with that of point clouds derived from two LS techniques, i.e., terrestrial LS (the professional level) and personal LS (an emerging technology). The study indicates that the construction of image-based point clouds of forest field data requires only low-cost, low-weight, and easy-to-use equipment and automated data processing. Photographic measurement is easy and relatively fast. The accuracy of tree attribute estimates is close to an acceptable level for forest field inventory but is lower than that achieved with the tested LS techniques.