Assessment of road density in logging areas using geographical information systems

Abstract

In Russia, the density of forest roads is significantly lower than in countries with a developed forest industry. This negatively affects the logging efficiency and the yield of wood per unit area. There are different opinions on the normative and actual values of the density of forest roads in the forest regions of Russia. Today, it is possible to assess the density of forest roads and analyze its development using modern geographic information systems (GIS). In these studies, the density of forest roads is determined using the ArcGis software package on the territory of two forest districts of the Krasnoyarsk region. Roads located on the investigated areas territory are digitized and divided by types: year-round highway, branch, and logging road. Using the tools of the software package, the lengths and densities of roads are determined by their types. The obtained values are consistent with the indicators of other researchers from different regions of Russia. The results of this task are necessary for planning logging production when searching for wood delivery optimal routes, taking into account natural and climatic conditions.