Feasibility concept for the extensive implementation of information systems on Geographic basis in forest associations

The introduction of spacious information systems on GIS basis (geographical information system) in the forest federations of Austria and Bavaria is examined. This offers for the first time the possibility to connect biological and technical characteristics (attributes) with geographical data to compensate for the disadvantages of small structured forest estates. A substantial goal is also the development of a scanner method for the automated, EDP-supported identification of forests and their most important ground and stock characteristics.

Short Description

Status

completed

Summary

In the study a process way is described and quality judgements are carried out for the derivation of seven forest and wood stock parameters. The method hasn't ripened yet, it has still further be tested and verified.

Due to the high data costs of € 313/km² at the first elevation a practice mature use is not possible yet. For the first time 2/3 of the costs belong to data collection and 1/3 on processing. Following data updates are cheaper, total costs are 96 €/km² and the relationship turns itself over here between data costs and processing.

The ground surface model, produced by laserscanning is necessarily, but it is not available for whole Austria. Various use would be possible for a lot of groups. e.g. land owners, landscape planners (Constructors, traffic, environment,...), authorities. The costs would reduce themselves strongly through this.

From laserscanning data the most exact results can be derive, results like growth classes, number of stems and the difference of broad leaves and coniferous forests. A more economical alternative is a combination from laserscanning ground surface model and the digital top surface model derived from stereoscopic pictures. True coloured or infrared orthopictures, both give comparable results in the derivation of stand frontiers and canopy density.

Over the medium term all woods associations of Austria and of Bavaria want to introduce an extensive information systems on geographic basis.

Cooperations for data obtaining between land and forest users like the ministry of agriculture, forestry, environment and water-supply, the authorities of the provinces and the chamber of agriculture and forestry have to be striven.

Project Partners

Project manager

D.I. Winfried Eberl
Holzcluster Steiermark GmbH

Project partner

Ing. Hermann Novak
Fa. FMM (Forest Mapping Management GmbH)
Dr. Mathias Schardt
Joanneum Research, Inst. Für digitale Bildverarbeitung
Univ.- Prof. Dr. Mathias Schardt
Technische Universität Graz, Inst. Für Geodäsie, Photogrammetrie und Fernerkundung
D.I. Dr. Gerhard Pelzmann
Landeskammer für Land- und Forstwirtschaft in Stmk., Forstabteilung
Univ.- Prof. Dr. Walter Warkotsch
TU-München - Lehrstuhl für Forstliche Arbeitswissenschaft und Angewandte Informatik
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hubert Dürrstein
Universität für Bodenkultur - Institut für Alpine Naturgefahren und forstliches Ingenieurwesen
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Albert Knieling
Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt- und Wasserwirtschaft (BMLFUW) - Forstsektion Abteilung IV/3
Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Stemberger
Präsidentenkonferenz der Landwirtschaftskammern Österreichs - Bundeswaldbauernverband
Bayerischer Waldbesitzerverband

Contact Address

DI Winfried Eberl
Holzcluster Steiermark GmbH
Körblergasse 111-113, 8021 Graz
E-Mail: eberl@holzcluster-steiermark.at