Methods are needed to predict the spatial distribution pattern(s) of forest harvests to improve large-scale timber inventories through the incorporation of spatial distribution information. In this study, land cover type change detection methods were carried out using information from 1972 thru 2005 east-central Mississippi Landsat TM data to detect the spatial distribution of clearcut forest harvests. A random pattern was observed for clearcut harvests and this and other statistical data gathered in the study will be integrated into an existing forest inventory and transportation network database. The resulting harvested and forested area predictions generated by the database will assist with determining the sustainability and availability of forest resources for existing and future forest product mills and the creation of transportation networks needed to supply raw materials and distribute end products. Other implications include assessment of the quality and spatial components of wildlife habitat and a tool for forest certification programs.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-4599 |
| Date | 30 April 2011 |
| Creators | Jackson, Michael Bryan |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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