Comparisons of modeled height predictions to ocular height estimates

Abstract

Equations used by USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis projects to predict individual tree heights on the basis of species and dbh were improved by the addition of mean overstory height. However, ocular estimates of total height by field crews were more accurate than the statistically improved models, especially for hardwood species. Height predictions from the improved equations attained the desired measurement quality objective only 57% of the time, while ocular estimates achievedthe desiredaccuracy 75% of the time.