Three computer programs that are basic to the processing and development of tree -ring chronologies are now available. They were designed to refine and replace older programs that were previously furnished by the laboratory. Program RWLIST replaces program RWLST and is used for data inspection. Programs INDEX and SUMAC replace INDXA. INDEX is used for curve fitting procedures while SUMAC does summaries of series of indices, analysis of variance and cross-correlation. The new programs represent an increase in efficiency and flexibility in use. They are written in current ANSI Fortran IV and will be readily adaptable to most computing environments.

Skeleton plotting is an established manual technique for representing the relative narrowness of tree rings in a single radius. These plots can be used as a visual aid to crossdating. This paper describes a method for deriving these plots by computer. The method uses a low-pass digital filter, running means, and standard deviations of ring-width measurements. When the manual and computer plots are compared for the same series, approximately 85% agreement is found. Examples of results are presented for specimens from sensitive, moderate, and complacent sites. FORTRAN program listings are included for two subroutines for (a) identifying small rings and (b) producing the plot.

A brief discussion is presented on a new measuring system based on an APPLE microcomputer. Aspects of both hardware and software are considered, with emphasis on the software that provides operator interaction. The system uses diskettes for data storage and completely eliminates both paper tape and key punch cards from the measuring process.

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The importance of tree-ring analyses to forestry and other disciplines (e.g., climate and ecology) requires that tree-ring measurements be as accurate as possible. Accuracy of tree-ring measurement, although often emphasized, may not be stressed as much as other areas of the research. Nonetheless, poor quality measurement data compromise the reliability of interpretations. Possible errors include individual ring mismeasurement errors, consecutive ring errors, multiple ring misdating errors, and multiple ring systematic errors. Verification of measurements can be accomplished by an independent observer who remeasures certain segments from randomly selected cores or cross sections and then uses the computer program VERIFY5 to quantitatively and qualitatively compare both sets of measurements. This program features analyses-such as comparative statistics, least squares analysis, and outlier detection-that can isolate specific measurement errors. Such errors can be minimized by: (1) proper training in the hardware and software used; (2) training in certain rudimentary dendrochronological skills; (3) developing a deliberate measuring pace; (4) consistently using VERIFY5 by an independent observer; (5) using a quality control program (such as COFECHA) to further check measurements and crossdating.

Throughout the history of traditional land use planning, justification for allocating a land use for a particular area has been accomplished generally in a debilitated fashion. For example, decisions have generally been arrived at by (1) political process--incorporating fringe areas into present land use patterns, or (2) short-term revenue producers are given a land use change from a tax base incentive, or (3) revelations implemented, or other subjective justifications. Except in very few instances, data used to base land use planning decisions was not accurately interpreted for adequate input or not even gathered. Recently, new and innovative methods for land use planning processes have evolved to gather, interpret and measure data more accurately. More notable processes have been developed by Ian McHarg, Peter Jacobs, Phillip H. Lewis, G. Angus Hills, David Stinton and Carl Steinitz. David Stinton and Carl Steinitz developed a program called "GRID" which basically utilizes the computer as a tool to process data and display data through computer graphics as maps. The process implemented in this project to compile and graphically display data was the GRID computer program. The program utilized Utah State University's Burroughs 6700 digital computer. This system has been found to be faster and more economical than the traditional method of overlays without sacrificing accuracy. Utilizing computer graphic techniques, this project conducted a detailed environmental inventory and analysis of Antelope Island, Utah. Various land use activities were evaluated for their potential impact upon certain natural systems of the island. The major objective of this thesis is to provide, for interested levels of government and concerned citizens, guidelines for land use planning that will assist them in making more meaningful and accurate decisions of present and future land use in the study area. This project established recreational guidelines for Antelope Island, Utah, and acts as a study model for recreational land use planning for the cold desert biome states of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. The study is an environmental analysis and attempts to recognize problem areas sensitive to development. Guidelines deal directly with maximizing recreation potential of the island while minimizing impacts on natural systems such as vegetation, wildlife and soil erosion.