Jun 01, 2022
Version 2
Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory's Forest Inventory Field Survey Protocol V.2
- 1Université de Sherbrooke
External link: www.caboscience.org
Protocol Citation: Anna L Crofts, Sabine St-Jean, Mark Vellend 2022. Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory's Forest Inventory Field Survey Protocol. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.q26g7rn23vwz/v2Version created by Anna L Crofts
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We used this protocol and it’s working.
Created: May 13, 2022
Last Modified: June 01, 2022
Protocol Integer ID: 62574
Keywords: Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory, Forest Inventory , Northern Temperate Forest, Canopy Trees
Abstract
Here, we describe the standardized protocol used by the Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory (CABO) to conduct the field-based surveys of canopy trees at the forested study sites, Parc national du Mont Mégantic and Parc national du Mont Saint Bruno, located in southern Québec, Canada. These field-based surveys were conducted to relate field-based tree biodiversity data with aerial hyperspectral imagery data. Forest inventory plots (~706 m2) were systematically distributed to span the range of conditions present within the imaged areas. Plot dimensions were corrected to account for slope in the field and therefore, plots were circular (15 m radii) when viewed-from-above. Within each plot, we quantified the tree community defined as all individuals whose crowns extended into the general level of the canopy and those whose crowns were below the canopy but had a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 9 cm. Individuals were identified to species, positioned in relation to the plot center, and a suite of dendrometric properties (e.g., DBH, height) were quantified. To relate the field surveys with the hyperspectral imaging data, we took high-precision positions of plot centers. All data were collected using Fulcrum, a data collection application.
Attachments
Materials
- Cellphone with Fulcrum and Trimble Catalyst mobile apps installed (Cat S41, Caterpillar Inc.)
- Rebar (~ 90 cm long) and Rebar Safety Caps
- Transect Tape (≥ 10 m)
- 3x Visible Strings attached to Ground Spikes (~16 m long)
- Field Guide (LeBoeuf, M. 2016. Arbres et plantes forestières du Québec et des Maritimes. Éditions Michel Quintin.)
- Postex System with DP II DME and SmartScale Caliper (Haglof Sweden AB)
- Laser rangefinder with integrated tilt and compass sensors (LaserGeo, Haglof Sweden AB)
- High precision GPS (Trimble Catalyst DA1 antenna with Trimble RTX correction service, Trimble Inc.)
Equipment
new equipment
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CAT S41 fieldwork cellphone
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new equipment
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3 16m long visible string
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new equipment
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Rebar
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30 pieces of 90 cm
SPECIFICATIONS
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new equipment
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Rebar Safety Cap
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Orange
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new equipment
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Laser Geo
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new equipment
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Trimble Catalyst GPS, NTRIP precision subscription
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SYSTEM 2 DP Postex with DP II Caliper and L5 Laser Art no 15-103-1041
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Safety warnings
Terrain at Parc National du Mont Mégantic can be steep and rocky, with high tree density. Take precaution and work in a team, especially in more remote and steep-sloped locations.
Before start
1. Field work within Parc national du Mont Mégantic and Parc national du Mont Saint Bruno require valid research permits. Prior to field work obtain research permit and ensure permit is being carried when conducting field surveys. Additionally, Parc national du Mont Saint Bruno requires that the staff be informed of dates and times when surveys are being conducted.
- If working at a site other than Parc national du Mont Mégantic (MtMeg-1) or Parc national du Mont Saint Bruno (MSB-Forest-Crew), create the site in Fulcrum prior to field work.
- If working in a project other than 2019-Crofts-PHD-UDES or 2019-MONTSAINTBRUNO, create the project in Fulcrum prior to field work.
2. Ensure that the batteries of the cellphone, LaserGeo, Postex System (DP II handheld device and SmartScale Calipers), and Trimble Catalyst are fully charged. Additionally, pack extra alkaline AA batteries for the Postex System transponders.
3. Verify that the Magnetic Declination in LaserGeo is calibrated for the correct site and is up to date.
Plot Establishment in the Field and in Fulcrum
Plot Establishment in the Field and in Fulcrum
Systematically establish plots to span the range of conditions across the imaged area. Specifically, we aim to:
- Maximize the number of unique tree species assemblages
- Cover the range of topographic conditions (e.g., elevation, slope, and aspect)
In the field,
- Permanently mark plot centers with rebar1 topped with orange safety cap (Fig. 1) and label cap2 as follows:
CABO - Plot ID - Initials of Surveyors - Date Established
- There is no need to physically delineate the perimeters of the plots - the Postex System that is used to position trees in relation to the plot center is used to determine the plot boundaries. When an individual tree is beyond the slope corrected radius of a plot the system will beep and return a warning message that the Tree is outside the plot. The visible strings (~16 m in length) used to create sampling sections will provide a rough indication of the plot's boundary (detailed in Step 6) and surveyors should sample all individual trees until the Postex System returns the warning message (detailed in Step 7).
Figure 1. Photo of permanently marked plot center at a high elevation plot at Parc national du Mont Mégantic.
Note
1 Ensure that rebar is sufficiently deep within the ground to minimize movement overtime (e.g., via frost heave), we used ~ 90 cm rebar stakes and set them ~ 50 cm deep.
2 If resurveying plots, note that rebar safety caps are sometimes broken or missing (e.g., chewed by animals, weather worn, etc.) and that labels fade with time.
In Fulcrum,
- Create a plot record in Fulcrum by selecting + Record within the Plots app (Fig. 2a,b).
- TAP TO SELECT PROJECT1, select the appropriate Site2, assign a Field Plot ID3, and list the names of the surveyors who the plot was First Established By (Fig. 2c).
- UPDATE LOCATION WITH GPS4 - Latitude (degrees), Longitude (degrees), Horizontal Accuracy (m), and Altitude (m) fields will automatically be filled in when Update Location with GPS is selected (Fig. 2d).
- Assign the Plot Shape as circular and Plot Diameter (m) as 30 5 (Fig. 2e).
- Optional - Add details about species assemblage to Plot Remarks6 and photos to Plot Photos (Fig. 2e).
Figure 2. Screenshots from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. To create a new record of a plot select the Plots app from the home page (panel a) and then within the Plots app select + Record (panel b). Tap to select project that you are working with, select the appropriate study site, assign a Plot Field ID, and record the surveyors by whom the plot was First Established By (panel c). Then, UPDATE LOCATION [of the plot] WITH GPS (panel d). Assign the Plot Shape to circular and Plot Diameter to 30 m (panel e). Optional information can be added within Plot Remarks and photos can be added to Plot Photos (panel e). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 Plots at Parc national du Mont Mégantic are assigned to the project 2019-Crofts-PHD-UDES and the plots at Parc national du Mont Saint Bruno are assigned to the project 2019-MONTSAINTBRUNO. If you are working within a different project, assign the project as appropriate.
2 Parc national du Mont Mégantic is named MtMeg-1 and Parc national du Mont Saint Bruno is named MSB_forest_crew in Fulcrum. If you are working at a different study site, you may need to create a new site record in the Sites app assessed from the CABO account's homepage.
3 At MtMeg-1, Field Plot IDs are assigned numerically based on the date they are surveyed (e.g., Plot01). At MSB_forest_crew, Field Plot IDs are assigned numerically based on the date they are surveyed, followed by the species that motivated the choice to establish the plot (e.g., Plot01_Pine).
4 The GPS locations of plots positioned by the cellphone GPS will be ~3 m horizontal accuracy. In the autumn following plot establishment, plots will be revisited to update the GPS location using a high precision GPS (detailed in Step 8 and see Trimble GPS Protocol for additional details).
5 A plot diameter of 30 m was chosen to capture all potentially interacting individuals (i.e., the canopy tree community), while still being within the range of the Postex system (see Postex System User Guide for system details).
6 For the already established plots, the Plot Remarks have been updated to list the acronyms of the three most abundant species observed in each plot.
For each plot, quantify the slope and orientation in the field1.
- Measure the slope angle and compass bearing with the LaserGeo's ANGLE and COMPASS2 functions, respectively, along two 7.5 m vectors in the direction from high to low elevation, where:
i) the first vector is parallel to the steepest slope and
ii) the second vector is oriented in any direction as long as it is not parallel to the first
(Fig. 3a).
- Enter the slope angle and compass bearing measurements to Slope 1 (°), Bearing 1 (°), Slope 2 (°), and Bearing 2 (°) fields within the plot's record in Fulcrum (Fig. 3b).
Figure 3. a) A schematic of potential orientation of two vectors along which the slope and compass bearing are measured, where one vector is parallel to the steepest slope (V1) and the other is oriented in any other direction (V2). The orange circle denotes the plot center. b) A screenshot from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account, where the slope and compass bearing measurements are entered to the plot's record Slope 1 (°), Bearing 1 (°), Slope 2 (°), Bearing 2 (°) fields under the Optional Plot Info heading (panel b). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 For statistical analyses, extract topographic variables of field plots from LiDAR-DTM data that was acquired and processed by the Québec provincial government (1 m spatial resolution; Leboeuf et al. 2015). Available at https://www.foretouverte.gouv.qc.ca/.
Leboeuf, A., Pomerleau, I., Vézeau, S., Lacroix, S., 2015. Province-wide LiDAR Data acquisition: impact analysis and recommendations. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP) du Québec.
2 To measured true North (vs magnetic North), the LaserGeo requires the local magnetic declination be defined. To do so, select Settings → Magnetic Declination and enter the up-to-date value (e.g., -14º 22'). The up-to-date magnetic declination can be found at http://www.magnetic-declination.com/. Note that the magnetic declination is dependent on location and changes with time, check that the LaserGeo is calibrated using the correct magnetic declination prior to conducting field work.
In Fulcrum:
- SAVE1 the plot record in Fulcrum (Fig. 4a). This will return you to the Plots app.
- Sync2 Fulcrum to upload new plot record online by selecting the icon of two circular arrows. This icon will spin when synchronizing is in progress (Fig. 4b).
Figure 4. Screenshots from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account, once plot has been established in the field, in Fulcrum, and the plot's slope and orientation measured SAVE the plot's record (panel a). Sync Fulcrum to upload new plot record online by selecting the two circular arrows (panel b). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 Note that plot records will not be saved if any of the mandatory fields (denoted by the red asterisks) are left blanked or if the data are entered in a wrong format (e.g., no commas are accepted). If this occurs, the user will receive an Error Saving message detailing the mistakes. Do not choose SAVE as Draft, select OKAY to return to the plot record, fix any errors, and then SAVE.
2 Some areas of Parc national du Mont Mégantic are not covered by cellular reception; plots can still be created offline but be sure to sync Fulcrum once back in service.
Create Vegetation Survey Record in Fulcrum
Create Vegetation Survey Record in Fulcrum
Prior surveying a plot, create the plot's vegetation survey record in Fulcrum.
- Create a record for the plot's vegetation survey in Fulcrum by selecting + Record in the Vegetation Survey: Large Trees app (Fig. 5a,b).
- TAP TO SELECT PROJECT, select the appropriate Site and the corresponding Field Plot ID, answer No to Trees Measured in a Subplot?1, and list the names of who the plot will be Surveyed By (Fig. 5c).
- For Tree Positioning Method select X-Y POSITION FROM PLOT CENTER and for Tree Size Measurements select DBH, Height, Crown class, and Crown diameter (Fig. 5d).
- Select Tree Taxa Present followed by + Record (Fig. 5d,e).
- If needed, you can apply filters but regardless, select VASCAN Taxon2 and choose a species present in the plot from the drop-down list (Fig. 5f).
- Once species is selected, select SAVE (Fig. 5g). The species you just entered should now appear on the Tree Taxa Present page (Fig. 5h).
- Select + Record if additional species are present and repeat the previous two steps (Fig. 5h,f,g).
- Repeat this process until all species present in the plot are listed under Tree Taxa Present, then return to the plot's Vegetation Survey record by selecting the arrow (←)(Fig. 5i)
Figure 5. Screenshots from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. To create a new record of a vegetation survey select the Vegetation Survey: Large Trees app from the home page (panel a) and then within the Vegetation Survey: Large Trees app select + Record (panel b). TAP TO SELECT PROJECT that you are working with, select the appropriate site within Filter: Site, select the Plot where you are conducting the vegetation survey, answer No to Trees measured in a subplot?, and record the names of who the plot will be Surveyed by (panel c). For Tree Positioning Method select X-Y POSITION FROM PLOT CENTER and for Tree Size Measurements select DBH, Height, Crown class, and Crown diameter (panel d). To list tree taxa present within the plot, select Tree Taxa Present (panel d) and then + Record (panel e). Then select VASCAN Taxon (panel f) and choose a species present within the plot from the drop-down list. Once a species is selected, select SAVE (panel g). If additional species are present in the plot, select + Record (panel h) and repeat previous steps pictured in panel f and g. Once all species present in the plot are listed in the Tree Taxa Present page return to the vegetation survey record by selecting the arrow (←)(panel h). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 To facilitate keeping track of trees measured, plots are divided into informal sampling sections (detailed in Step 6). However, in Fulcrum we collect data at the plot-level not the subplot-level. Be sure to answer NO to Trees Measured in a Subplot?
2 Tree species are selected from the Database of Vascular Plant Species Canada (VASCAN) list. For some species, the Latin names in VASCAN may differ from Latin names in field guides. In these cases, VASCAN is to be considered more up to date. If you run into a species identified from a field guide that doesn’t appear in the VASCAN Taxon drop-down list in Fulcrum, look up the species on the VASCAN website to obtain the accepted species name.
Set-up Postex System
Set-up Postex System
Prior to surveying a plot, set-up the Postex system.
- Set-up the Postex system, center the tripod over the plot center, and create a new plot in the DP II handheld device (Fig. 6). Please see the Postex System User Guide for instructions detailing how to set-up and use the system.
Figure 6. Photo of the Postex System set-up and centered over plot center at a low elevation plot at Parc national du Mont Mégantic.
Divide the Plot into Sampling Sections
Divide the Plot into Sampling Sections
Prior to surveying a plot, divide the plot into sampling sections.
- Given the large size of sampling plots (~706 m2), use visible strings ~16 m in length attached to ground spikes (Fig. 7a) to divide the plot into sampling sections - attach strings to plot center and extending to the plot edge.
- The number of sampling sections is dependent on tree density and is up to the surveyors discretion1 (i.e., more dense stands, more sampling sections to ensure all individuals are sampled and only sampled once).
- A minimum of three strings are needed - start by delineating two sampling sections and move the center string to delineate the next sampling section once the first two sections are surveyed and repeat until entire plot is surveyed (Fig. 7b).
Figure 7. a) Photo of visible string attached to ground spikes used to delineate sampling sections. b) A Schematic depicting sampling sections. Pink lines represent visible strings used to delineate sampling sections, the orange dot is the plot center, and the black arrow shows the movement of the center string when surveyors are ready to delineate next sampling section.
Note
1 In low density stands (~ 20 individuals per plot), it is easy to keep track of your progression with four sampling sections. In high density stands (> 75 individuals per plot), you will likely need >8 sampling sections.
Conduct Vegetation Survey
Conduct Vegetation Survey
Survey all individual trees within each plot1 that meet the following selection criteria:
- All individuals with crowns in the general canopy-level (i.e., all individuals with a crown class of Dominant, Co-dominant, or Intermediate; see Step 7.5 for crown class definitions)
- Individuals with crowns below the general canopy-level (i.e., individuals with a crown class of Suppressed) that have a DBH ≥ 9 cm.
- Standing dead trees that extend into the upper canopy-level (i.e., same height as the dominant crown class).
For every individual that meets the selection criteria, identify it to species (see Step 7.2), measure DBH and position it (see Step 7.3), measure height (see Step 7.4), assign a crown class (see Step 7.5), and measure crown area and orientation (see Step 7.6).
Note
1 The dimensions of the plot are corrected to account for slope in the field. Resulting in circular plots of 15 m when viewed-from-above but ellipsoid plots in the field. Plot dimensions were corrected within the Postex System by accounting for angle when locating individuals in relation to plot center (see Step 7.3 and detailed in Step 6 of the Postex System User Guide). If the calculated distance between the plot center and an individual is greater than the slope-corrected plot dimensions, the Postex system will beep and return a warning message that Tree is outside of the plot. Sample individuals in the sampling section until the Postex system beeps.
For each individual, create a record in Fulcrum.
- Create a record for an individual by selecting Surveyed Trees within the plot's Vegetation Survey record and then + Record (Fig. 8a,b).
Figure 8. Screenshots from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Within the plot's Vegetation Survey record, select Surveyed Trees to create a record for an individual tree (panel a) and then + Record (panel b). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Identify the individual to species.
- Identify individuals to species and enter taxonomic identity within Tree Taxon1 field in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (Fig. 9).
Figure 9. A Screenshot from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Within the individual's Surveyed Trees record, select Tree Taxon to enter individual's taxonomic identity. The red box has been added to screenshot to illustrate selection. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1Only the tree species added to the plot's Vegetation Survey record in Fulcrum (see Step 4) will be available to choose from. If an additional species is observed during the survey, select Tree Taxa Present, then + Record, and select species in VASCAN Taxon. Return to the Vegetation Survey record by selecting the arrow (←) and then SAVE the record. This will take you to the Vegetation Surveys: Large Tree app page, sync Fulcrum by selecting the two circular arrows, and then re-select the plot's Vegetation Survey record that you are currently surveying. The new species observed will be available to be selected in the Tree Taxon field.
- Use the LaserGeo's ANGLE function to measure the angle between the individual at breast height (~1.3 m) and the center of the Postex tripod.
- Select Measure in the DP II handheld device and enter the ANGLE between the individual and the Postex tripod as measured with the LaserGeo.
- Spec will be highlighted in the DP II handheld device, enter a numeric species code (optional) and/or press Enter.
- D will be highlighted in the DP II handheld device, position the SmartScale caliper at breast height1,2,3 with the mounted DP DME oriented toward the plot center, and press Enter (Fig. 10a). The DBH will be measured and displayed (Fig. 10b); enter the value to DBH (cm) field in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (Fig. 10c).
- Press enter in the DP II handheld device to position the individual and display the X-Y coordinates (Fig. 10b). Record the X-Y positions in the X Position (m) and the Y Position (m) fields in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (Fig. 10d).
- If you are unable to obtain a position using the Postex system4, use the LaserGeo's DME and COMPASS functions to measure the distance between the individual's trunk at breast height to the plot center and the compass bearing, respectively. Take distance and compass bearing measurements directly against individual's trunk at breast height (i.e., from the same position that the Postex DP DME would). Enter the distance and compass bearing to Distance from center (m) and Compass bearing (°) fields in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (Fig. 10e).
Figure 10. a) A photo of a surveyor using the Postex system to measure the diameter at breast height (DBH) and position individual trees in relation to plot center. b) A photo of the DP II handheld device, which shortens DBH to D, X position as X, and Y position as Y. c,d,e) Screenshots from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Enter individual's DBH and position into the DBH (m), X Position (m), and Y Position (m) fields, respectively, in within the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (panel c and d). If the Postex system cannot obtain the position of the individual, quantify and record the Distance from center (m) and Compass bearing (°) in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (panel e). The red boxes have been added to screenshot to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 If there is an obstruction at breast height (e.g., branch, scar tissue, forked stem), measure DBH above the obstruction.
2 If the individual's trunk is forked,
- Measure DBH and obtain the X-Y coordinate of the largest stem
- Measure DBH all additional stems ≥ 9 cm using the SmartScale calipers - DBH will need to be read manually from the caliper scale. Enter additional DBH(s) to DBH 2 (cm), DBH 3 (cm), etc. field(s) in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum.
3 If the individual's DBH is larger than the SmartScale caliper, measure the DBH manually with transect tape and position the DP II handheld device against the trunk as per usual to obtain the X-Y coordinates of the individual. Be sure the record DBH and not circumference at breast height in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum.
4 Prior to positioning individuals by quantifying the distance and azimuth from plot center, try moving any obstacles between DP II and the tripod (e.g., push aside shrubs) and/or check the transponders' batteries - are they still making a clicking sound when distance measurements are being taken? Remember, the transponders turn off after 20 minutes of inactivity. To change transponders' batteries see Step 9 of the Postex System User Guide.
Use LaserGeo to measure individual's height.
- To account for uneven ground, use the LaserGeo's HEIGHT 3P function that quantifies the height by measuring:
1) Distance to the individual's trunk at eye-level,
2) Angle to the base of the trunk, and
3) Angle to the tip of the individual's crown1,2,3 (Fig 11a),
- Enter the height to Height (m) field in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (Fig 11b).
- Optional - Enter height into DP II handheld device (H will be highlighted after measuring the individual's position) and/or press Enter. The device will beep and advance to the next individual, bringing you back to the ANGLE step.
Figure 11. a) An anotated photo of a surveyor using the LaserGeo to measure the heigh of individual trees, by quantifying the distance to the individual at eye-level, the angle to the base of the trunk, and the angle to the top of the individual. b) A screenshot from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Enter the height into the Height (m) field in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (panel b). The red box has been added to screenshot to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 LaserGeo's HEIGHT 3P function calculates height automatically from these three measurements.
2 The taller the individual, the further the surveyor should be from its trunk for an accurate height measurement - aim to be ~ 10 m away.
3 If an individual is growing on an angle, have the other surveyor stand below the tip of the crown and calculate the height from the distance to the other surveyor at eye-level, the angle to the other surveyor's feet, and the angle to the tip of the individual's crown.
4 Before entering the height, check to make sure it is logical. If value seems improbable retake the measurement. Be sure there are no obstructions (i.e., shrubs) between you and the individual that may result in the wrong distance being measured.
Assign individual to a crown class, a categorical variable that describes the vertical position and dominance of individual crowns
- Determine crown class of an individual, by comparing it to trees in its immediate proximity1 (Table 1, Fig. 12a).
- Enter the crown class to Crown Class field in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (Fig 12b).
| Crown Class | Definition | |
| Dominant | Individuals with crowns extending above those of surrounding trees. Crowns are well developed and experience full sun from above and partially from the sides. | |
| Co-dominant | Individuals with crowns at the general level of surrounding trees. Crowns are not distinct from surrounding trees, receiving full sun from above but not the sides. | |
| Intermediate | Individuals with crowns below those of surrounding trees, where individuals are approx. 2/3 the height of surrounding trees. Crowns are not well-developed and receive little-to-no direct light. | |
| Suppressed | Individuals with crowns below those of surrounding trees, where indivduals are less than 1/2 the height of surrounding trees. Canopies are not well developed and receive little-to-no direct light. |
Table 1. Crown class definitions as modified from Canada's national forest inventory ground sampling guidelines (NRCan, 2008).
Figure 12. a) A schematic modified from MFFP (2015) illustrating the crown classes, where D is dominant, C is co-dominant, I is intermediate, and S is suppressed as defined in Table 1. b) A screenshot from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Enter the crown class into the Crown Class field in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum (panel b). The red box has been added to screenshot to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 As crown class is determined based on comparing individuals in immediate proximity to one another, the height of individuals assigned to the same crown class can vary across the plot.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). 2008. Canada’s national forest inventory ground sampling guidelines: specifications for ongoing measurements, Ver. 5.0. Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, BC. 271 p.
Ministère des Forets, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP). 2015. Norme de stratification écoforestière : Quatrième inventaire écoforestier du Québec méridional. Secteur des forets, Direction des inventaires forestiers, Québec, QC. 51 p.
Use LaserGeo to measure crown dimensions and orientation.
- Take the compass bearing and measure the length of the longest crown dimensions using the LaserGeo's DME and COMPASS functions (Fig. 13a) and enter the measurements in Bearing (°) and Canopy distance 1 (m) fields, respectively, in the individual's Surveyed Trees Fulcrum record (Fig. 13c).
- Measure the distance from crown's edge to the individual's trunk using the LaserGeo's DME function, from the crown edge in which the compass bearing was quantified (Fig. 13a) and enter the distance in the Canopy to tree trunk (m) field in the individual's Surveyed Trees Fulcrum record (Fig. 13c).
- If the individual is angled to the extent that the trunk at the DBH is not under the crown (Fig. 13b), then measurements are taken as described above but enter the distance from the crown's edge to the individual's trunk as a negative number in the Canopy to tree trunk (m) field in the individual's Surveyed Trees Fulcrum record (Fig. 13c).
- Measure the length of the crown perpendicular to the longest canopy dimension1 using the LaserGeo's DME function (Fig. 13a) and enter the length in Canopy distance 2 (m) field in the individual's Surveyed Trees Fulcrum record (Fig. 13b).
- If the individual is a standing dead tree that extends into the upper canopy (i.e., similar height of dominant crown class), there will be no canopy to measure but write Dead in the Measurement Remarks field in the individual's Surveyed Trees Fulcrum record (Fig. 13b).
- Once all measurements are complete, select SAVE2 (Fig. 13b). This will return you to the plot's Vegetation Survey Fulcrum record.
Figure 13. a) A schematic illustrating crown dimension and orientation measurements, where the brown circle is the individual's trunk, the green ellipse is the individual's crown, the smiley emojis are the surveyors, and the numbered arrows are the measurements required. b) A schematic illustrating crown dimension and orientation measurements when an individual is angled to the extent that the crown is no longer about the trunk at DBH, where the brown circle is the individual's trunk, the green ellipse is the individual's crown, the smiley emojis are the surveyors, and the numbered arrows are the measurements required. c) A screenshot from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Enter the Bearing (°), Canopy distance 1 (m), and Canopy to tree trunk (m) fields from measurements oriented along the longest crown dimension and the Canopy distance 2 (m) from measurement oriented perpendicular to the longest crown dimension fields in the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum. Note that if the individual is angled as in panel b, enter the Canopy to tree trunk (m) as a negative number. If the individual is standing dead, leave the crown dimension and orientation measurement fields blank and write Dead in the Measurement Remarks field. Once all measurements are complete SAVE the individual's Surveyed Trees record in Fulcrum. The red box has been added to screenshot to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 If the crown is relatively circular, sometimes surveyors may wrongly identified the longest crown dimension (i.e., Canopy distance 2 (m) > Canopy distance 1 (m)). In this case, retake the crown measurements if the difference is greater than 0.5 m.
2 Note that the individual's Surveyed Trees record will not be saved if any of the mandatory fields (denoted by the red asterisks) are left blanked or if the data are entered in a wrong format (e.g., no commas are accepted). If this occurs, the user will receive an Error Saving message detailing the mistakes. Do not choose SAVE as Draft, select OKAY to return to the individual's Surveyed Trees record, fix any errors, and then SAVE.
Repeat Steps 7.1 to 7.6 until every individual in the plot that meets the sampling criteria has been sampled, surveying individuals sampling section by sampling section (see Step 6). Then save the plot's Fulcrum Vegetation Survey record.
- Select the RECORD STATUS: PENDING VERIFICATION in the plot's Vegetation Survey Fulcrum record and change the status to VERIFIED. The colour of the Record Status bar should change from orange to blue (Fig. 14a).
- SAVE1 the plot's Vegetation Survey record in Fulcrum. This will return you to the Vegetation Survey: Large Trees app (Fig. 14b).
- Sync2 Fulcrum to upload the plot's vegetation survey record online by selecting the icon of two circular arrows. This icon will spin when synchronizing is in progress (Fig. 14c).
Figure 14. Screenshots from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Once all individuals have been sampled in the plot, select RECORD STATUS: PENDING VERIFICATION and change it to VERIFIED (panel a). Note that the colour of the record status bar will change from orange to blue (panel a,b). Select SAVE to save the plot's Vegetation Survey record in Fulcrum (panel b). Sync Fulcrum to upload plot's Vegetation Survey record online by selecting the two circular arrows (panel b). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 Note that plot's Vegetation Survey record will not be saved if any of the mandatory fields (denoted by the red asterisks) are left blanked or if the data are entered in a wrong format (e.g., no commas are accepted). If this occurs, the user will receive an Error Saving message detailing the mistakes. Do not choose SAVE as Draft, select OKAY to return to the plot's Vegetation Survey record, fix any errors, and then SAVE.
2 Some areas of Parc national du Mont Mégantic are not covered by cellular reception - be sure to sync Fulcrum once back in service.
Optional - export data from Postex system to your computer to backup individuals' X-Y positions (see Step 8 in Postex System User Guide).
Obtain High Precision Plot Coordinates
Obtain High Precision Plot Coordinates
Return in the Autumn once the deciduous leaves have fallen with Trimble Catalyst (Trimble Catalyst DA1 antenna with Trimble RTX correction service, Trimble Inc.) or alternative high-precision GPS to obtain high-precision coordinates of plot centers (Fig. 15a). See Trimble GPS Protocol for step-wise details regarding how to use Trimble Catalyst.
- Within the Plots app in Fulcrum select the appropriate plot record (Fig. 15b,c).
- The Trimble Catalyst integrates with Fulcrum, select UPDATE LOCATION WITH GPS- Latitude (degrees), Longitude (degrees), Horizontal Accuracy (m), and Altitude (m) fields will automatically be filled in when Update Location with GPS is selected - once GPS connection is established and, ideally, horizontal accuracy is ≤ 0.30 m1 (Fig. 15d).
- Select the RECORD STATUS: PENDING VERIFICATION in the plot's Fulcrum record and change the status to VERIFIED. The colour of the Record Status bar should change from orange to blue (Fig. 15e).
- SAVE the plot's record in Fulcrum. This will return you to the the Plots app (Fig. 15e).
- Sync2 Fulcrum to upload the changes online by selecting the icon of two circular arrows. This icon will spin when synchronizing is in progress (Fig. 15f).
Figure 15. a) Photo of the Trimble Catalyst in the field. b,c,d,e,f) Screenshot from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Select Plots app (panel b) and then, select the appropriate plot record (panel c). Once GPS connection is established and the accuracy is ≤ 0.30 m, select UPDATE LOCATION WITH GPS (panel d). Then select RECORD STATUS: PENDING VERIFICATION and change it to VERIFIED (panel e). SAVE the record's updates (panel e) and sync Fulcrum by selecting the two circular arrows (panel f). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.
Note
1 Trimble Catalyst requires mobile data for on demand RTX correction service. In some areas of Parc national du Mont Mégantic there is no cellular reception and centimeter precision will therefore be unobtainable. In these circumstances, obtain most precise coordinates as possible (likely between 1 m and 2 m).
2 Some areas of Parc national du Mont Mégantic are not covered by cellular reception - be sure to sync Fulcrum once back in service.
Download Forest Inventory Field Survey Data
Download Forest Inventory Field Survey Data
Using the Fulcrum desktop website,
- In CABO's Fulcrum account, select Export Data as indicated by a downward facing arrow (Fig. 16a)
- Select the File Format, in Apps select Plots and Vegetation Survey: Large Trees, in Projects select 2019-MontSaintBruno and 2019-Crofts-PhD-UdeS or alternative, and then select NEXT (Fig. 16b).
- Review Export summary and select CONFIRM to download (Fig. 16c).
Figure 16. Screenshot from Fulcrum desktop website CABO account. To download Forest Inventory Field Surveys, select Export Data as indicated by a downward facing arrow (panel a), choose the file format you prefer, and select Plots and Vegetation Survey: Large Trees in Apps section and select the Projects of which you wish to download the data (panel b). Review the Export Summary and select CONFIRM to download data (panel c).
Submit Forest Inventory Field Survey Fulcrum Records
Submit Forest Inventory Field Survey Fulcrum Records
Once the forest inventory field survey is complete and data has been checked, change the status of all plots and their associated vegetation survey records to 'Submitted' in Fulcrum.
- Within the Plots app and Vegetation Survey: Large Trees app in Fulcrum select completed and checked plot and their associated vegetation survey records (Fig. 17a,b).
- For each plot and vegetation survey record, select the RECORD STATUS: VERIFIED in the plot's Fulcrum record and change the status to SUBMITTED. The colour of the Record Status bar should change from blue to green (Fig. 17c). Then SAVE the changes in Fulcrum. This will return you to the Plots or Vegetation Survey: Large Trees app (Fig. 17d).
- Once the status of all appropriate plots and their vegetation survey records have been changed, Sync Fulcrum to upload the changes online by selecting the icon of two circular arrows. This icon will spin when synchronizing is in progress (Fig. 17e).
Figure 17. Screenshots from Fulcrum mobile application CABO account. Once the forest inventory is complete and data has been checked, change the status of all Plots and their Vegetation Survey records to Submitted. Select Plots app (or alternative, the Vegetation Survey: Large Trees app)(panel a) and then, select the appropriate plot record (panel b). In the record, select RECORD STATUS: VERIFIED and change it to SUBMITTED (panel c). Note that the colour of the record status bar will change from blue to green (panel b,c). Select SAVE to save the Plot record (or alternatively, Vegetation Survey record) in Fulcrum (panel d). Once the record status of all Plot and Vegetation Survey records are Submitted, sync Fulcrum to upload changes online by selecting the two circular arrows (panel e). Red boxes have been added to screenshots to illustrate selections. Note that Fulcrum can be used via a mobile app or desktop website and that the two are organized differently.