Landscape management system (LMS): Background, methods, and computer tools for integrating forest inventory, GIS, growth and yield, visualization and analysis for sustaining multiple forest objectives

The increasing complexity of managing forests requires the use of new technologies to analyze the large amount of forest information. This dissertation presents a software system developed to integrate several computer tools into a single integrated application. The system integrates forest inventory, growth and yield models, GIS information, visualization, and additional analytical tools into one application that can evaluate alternative management approaches for forest resources. The tool is designed to be modular and flexible so that it can be adapted to emerging management objectives. This dissertation discusses the background and concepts that led to the current system architecture, presents the capabilities of the system, discusses the usefulness and limitations of visualization, compares generated visualizations with digital photographs, critiques the performance of several components, and suggests future directions for development. Tools of this type are increasingly needed to address the management concerns for our forested landscapes. This tool combined with additional software can develop and evaluate management plans for meeting a variety of objectives. In the hands of local managers information generated with this tools can lead to more effective and informed management by allowing the managers to better understand the consequences and tradeoffs specific management decisions.