Planted forest area estimation in Santa Catarina using random sampling point

Abstract

Management of planted forests depends, among other information, on the knowledge of their extensions and spatial distribution. The current information about the area of planted forests in the state of Santa Catarina comes from sources without proper accuracy assessment. This work aimed to evaluate the use of random point sampling in estimating the planted forest area in the state of Santa Catarina. A minimum sample of 200 points per municipality was used, with a maximum standard error of 2%. The results indicated a total planted forest area of 1,135,481ha, with a standard error of 0.12%, in the state of Santa Catarina. The municipalities with the largest planted forest areas are in the mesoregions Serrana, Oeste Catarinense, and Norte Catarinense. The random point sampling methodology showed a precise result for the state of Santa Catarina in a simple and objective way, and may be effective for decision-making in planning.