Study Guide

Objectives

The course introduces to the basics of forest planning and the collection and utilization of forest resource data.

After completing the course, the student:
• understands the history, current situation, and significance of forest planning in forestry
• is familiar with the forest data standard and can interpret the content of an .xml file
• understands the forest resource data collection process and information sources
• knows the connection between cadastral identifier and open forest resource data
• can utilize forest resource data in the forest planning software (Foresta)
• understands the structure of stand-level data
• can interpret the content of forest resource data
• can assess the quality of forest resource data and make necessary corrections to stand-level data and stand boundaries
• can interpret a forest management plan

Content

Forest Planning: Past and Present, Forest Data Standard, Remote Sensing-Based Forest Resource Information, Forest Resource Data Management in Forest Planning Software, Structure of Stand-Level Data and Action Proposals, Field Verification of Forest Data and Stand Boundaries, Structure and Content of Forest Management Plan.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student:
-can interpret the content of forest resource data and understands the meaning of the most common indicators.
- knows the basics of producing remote sensing-based open forest resource data and stand-level assessment.
-can edit forest resource data in the application and knows the essential steps for updating forest resource data.
- can import and export forest resource data according to the forest data standard between different applications.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student:
- can interpret forest resource data and understands the composition of the information it contains.
- can utilize forest resource data and knows its most common applications.
- understands the relationship between property and forest resource stands.
- knows how the utilized forest resource data is produced, the general features of the method, and its impacts.
- understands the differences between open forest resource products regarding stand and grid data.
- can modify forest resource data (values and geometry) in the application.
- can correct erroneous information in stand-level data and identify errors independently without introducing new errors.
- can interpret XML messages according to the forest data standard and use them in forest resource applications.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student:
- can interpret forest resource data and understands its composition. Additionally, he/she knows the calculation methods behind the indicators and can apply them if necessary.
- understands the usage, need, and history of forest resource data and forest planning. He/she also knows how these factors can affect the quality and content of forest resource data. The relationship between property and stands is clear.
- knows how forest resource data is produced and the various sources for the information.
- understands how forest resource data generally applies to stands. He/she also knows the strengths and weaknesses of different data sources and how they compare to each other.
- can update and modify forest resource data (values and geometry) and retrieve code lists for forest data standard data objects.
- can independently identify areas for improvement and make modifications. He/she is proficient in handling and correcting common errors.
- can interpret and edit XML files according to the forest data standard and use them in forest resource applications.