The New Zealand ForestTech 2011 conference was held recently in Rotorua. Interpine’s David Herries presented to the delegates a review of a standardised data collection system for electronic collection, storage and export of carbon forest inventory measurement data collected for the ETS FMA (emissions trading scheme forest measurement approach) into formats compliant with the MPI XML information standards.
An overview of the Forest Measurement Approach was looked at, allowing delegates to realise the simplicity of the FMA carbon forest inventory, but still understand the importance of correct work scope definition to ensure cost-effective implementation of their FMA measurement programmes.
Some practical advice was also covered around pre-deployment specifications for field staff, field plot placement considerations which should be completed before crews travel into the field, stand record observations and photographs, quality assurance considerations and expected productivity of field crews.
The main focus of the presentation was to overview the release of a freely available template for the data collection of FMA data in the field using PlotSafe handheld data collection software. This allows collection of all the required data by using PlotSafe on a Windows Mobile device in the field or in the office using a Windows computer. Data is then downloaded to Interpine and as a service can easily be converted into the MAF compliant data formats. Note that some participants may want to also provide a bulk upload a file of all the stand record information, rather than typing this directly into the PlotSafe field template.
Presentation: The National Forest Inventory Standards for Carbon Measurement.pdf
Figure 1 – showing the template structure and layout for collecting in PlotSafe
Figure 2 – Data handling and processing for storage, secondary validation and export to FMA compliant data formats.
Figure 3 – Practical tips covered around plot movement around CAA boundaries.
For more information download the presentation below, or contact us.