Tree-mapping Technique as a Computer System for Sustainable Forest Management

Tree-mapping is a new technique developed for computer system for forest management. It will map the trees in the forests which then provide important information for decision making process. This concept could replace the current concept of forest inventory which does not have the information on the location of trees in the forests. The main issues are on the method to be used to determine the coordinates of trees as there are difficulties for GPS device to get correct signal in the dense canopy of tropical forests. The technique of measuring distance of trees from transect lines to generate coordinates is proposed for the inventory. This technique complements the skills developed by worker in this aspect. The improvement in the ability to predict damage due to logging, and the prediction of growth until the next cycle of logging operation are shown. The impacts of this technique to the sustainable forest management of tropical forests are discussed, particularly on the improvement of decision making process.