How we take the inventory: GPS

Georeferencing forest inventory field plots using the Global Positioning System (GPS) has become an integral part of the data collection process of the Northeastern Forest Inventory and Analysis Project (NE-FIA). Field crews began utilizing this space-based, satellite navigation and positioning system during the 1994-96 Forest Resources Inventory of Maine. The plot coordinates are being recorded to allow future field crews the ability to return to the location of FIA's ground plots. Georeferenced ground plot coordinates are also necessary for forest inventory data to be used with other spatial datasets such as satellite imagery, digital elevation models, geographic information systems, or any other suitable georeferenced datasets.

The GPS receiver being used is the Rockwell Precision Lightweight Receiver (PLGR+96). This 5-channel, single frequency, Precise Positioning Service (PPS) receiver is capable of autonomous horizontal accuracy’s of approximately 8 meters under a heavy forest canopy when averaging 180 individual position fixes at a site. For more information on the use of GPS within the Forest Service visit here.

Disclaimer: The use of trade, firm, or corporation names is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service to the exclusion of any other product or service that may be suitable.