The course aims to provide students with a basic knowledge on the possibilities of integration of different kinds of geodatabases (digital maps, remote sensing data and GPS surveys) and data processing methodologies based on Geographic Information System (GIS) software for the implementation of forest information systems. Learning activities are aimed at the acquisition of skills in the analysis of data models used in GIS (raster and vector) and their integration within GIS platforms to support forest planning activities or forest resources monitoring
At the end of the course the student will know the operating principles of the main dendrometric tools, the methods of measuring the diameter and height of a tree in the context of the forest, how to calculate the dendrometric attributes of a forest stand (tre species composition, density, site fertility, age, structure, growing stock, wood increment and productivity) and the main statistical sampling methods that are the basis of the forest inventory at different scales. The acquired knowledge will enable the student to choose, based on the objectives of the dendrometric survey and the type of forest, the dendrometric tools and methods to be used for the various measures to be performed and the consequent procedures for processing the data collected.