Centroid method: Comparison of simple and complex proxy tree taper functions

Abstract

Cubic-meter volumes estimated from simple and complex proxy taper functions were compared to observed volumes of iobiolly pine (Pinus taeda, L.) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa, Dougl. ex Laws.) trees to evaluate accuracy (bias and precision) in the centroid method. The results of this investigation showed no clear evidence that a more complex proxy taper function is more accurate than a simple function. The results also support previous studies that show accurate volumes of standing trees may be obtained using the centroid method, which requires only one upper-stem diameter measurement.