Evolution, history, and use of stem taper equations: a review of their development, application, and implementation
Publication: Canadian Journal of Forest Research
1 October 2020
Abstract
Stem taper equations, which predict the change in stem form from ground to tip, have become the primary means for estimating bole volume. Stem taper equations can provide predictions with similar levels of accuracy as volume equations, but with greater flexibility, a wider range of potential uses, and consistency between taper and volume. This review is a synthesis of the current state of knowledge on stem taper equations and an assessment of challenges for future model refinement. It includes the history and evolution of stem taper model forms, which have received tremendous attention and focus over the last several decades. Additional focal areas covered are (i) the use of additional covariates beyond tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height; (ii) alternative statistical methods for developing stem taper equations such as parametric, semiparametric, and nonparametric approaches; (iii) key considerations for proper development, application, and use of stem taper equations such as sample size requirements, local calibration, and evaluation; and (iv) a synthesis of key findings, future opportunities, and ongoing challenges. Current and developing technologies such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) offer an unprecedented opportunity to measure stem form in much greater detail at significantly lower costs and time requirements than traditional methods. Overall, continued development, refinement, and application of stem taper equations will remain important given the critical nature of tree volume for science, accurate inventories, and ultimately, sustainable forest management.
Résumé
Les équations de défilement des tiges, qui prédisent les changements dans la forme des tiges du sol jusqu’à l’extrémité, sont devenues le principal moyen pour estimer le volume du tronc. Les équations de défilement des tiges peuvent fournir des prédictions avec des niveaux de précision semblables aux équations de volume, mais avec une plus grande flexibilité, un éventail d’usages potentiels plus grand et une cohérence entre le défilement et le volume. Cet article est une synthèse de l’état actuel des connaissances sur les équations de défilement et une évaluation des défis à surmonter pour raffiner les futurs modèles. Cela inclut l’historique et l’évolution des formes de modèles de défilement, qui a suscité beaucoup d’intérêt et reçu beaucoup d’attention au cours des quelques dernières décennies. Les zones additionnelles d’intérêt couvertes sont (i) l’utilisation de covariables additionnelles autres que le diamètre des arbres à hauteur de poitrine (dhp) et la hauteur totale; (ii) les méthodes statistiques alternatives pour élaborer des équations de défilement des tiges telles que les approches paramétriques, semi-paramétriques et non paramétriques; (iii) les princ ipales considérations pour le développement, l’application et l’utilisation appropriés des équations de défilement des tiges telles que les exigences concernant la taille de l’échantillon, la calibration locale et l’évaluation; et (iv) une synthèse des principales constatations, des opportunités futures et des défis actuels. Les technologies courantes et en voie de développement, telles que le balayage laser terrestre, offrent des opportunités sans précédents de mesurer la forme des tiges de façon beaucoup plus détaillée à des coûts significativement plus faibles et beaucoup plus rapidement que les méthodes traditionnelles. Globalement, l’application, le raffinement et le développement continu des équations de défilement des tiges vont demeurer importants étant donné le caractère crucial du volume des arbres pour la science, la précision des inventaires et ultimement l’aménagement forestier durable. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
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Published In
Canadian Journal of Forest Research
Volume 51 • Number 2 • February 2021
Pages: 210 - 235
History
Received: 7 July 2020
Accepted: 28 September 2020
Notes
This review is part of the special issue “Historical perspectives in forest sciences”, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Journal of Forest Research.
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© 2021.
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John Paul McTague and Aaron Weiskittel. Evolution, history, and use of stem taper equations: a review of their development, application, and implementation. Canadian Journal of Forest Research.
51(2): 210-235. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2020-0326
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