The Application of Two Approaches Using GIS Technology Implementation in Forest Road Network Planning in an Italian Mountain Setting

Abstract

A well-planned forest road network is essential for meeting the goal of sustainable forest management. Forest roads play a key role in commercial purposes, fire prevention, and recreational activities. The aim of this work was to apply precision forestry in the analysis of the forest network of two forest ownerships in Tuscany. A proposal was formulated based on the information obtained regarding future forest road construction. This proposal takes into consideration technical effectiveness and environmental sustainability, with particular attention paid to low-impact logging. Two systems were tested so as to gain a better comprehension of different technical approaches. One system was reported by other researchers and the other was developed by the authors of this paper. The aim was to provide a valid instrument and possible alternative for forest managers involved in decision making. This study highlights the importance of precision forestry, even on a small-scale technical application level in forest road planning, thus helping managers and owners during the decision-making process in forestry operations.

Recent Contributions of Some Fields of the Electronics in Development of Forest Operations Technologies

“…However, according to forest harvesting management, a concept of accessibility based on time criterion is less reliable than one based on distance from the existing road, even better if this distance is a "real distance", calculated considering slope instead of a horizontal distance [28]. The subsequent step of GIS application in forest utilization is aimed to plan interventions considering both road network, environmental, and topographic conditions of the area.…”

“…However, according to forest harvesting management, a concept of accessibility based on time criterion is less reliable than one based on distance from the existing road, even better if this distance is a "real distance", calculated considering slope instead of a horizontal distance [28].…”

“…They were followed by chainsaw-forest tractor (23.52%), chainsaw-agriculture tractor (10.29%), and chainsaw-sledge yarder (1.49%) [29]. A slightly more complex project was produced by Picchio et al [28]. In this study, a GIS model was developed to classify two forest estates in Central Italy as accessible or inaccessible areas for extraction by tractor with a winch and/or lightweight cable yarder, which are the most common extraction systems used in that area.…”

Developing and Field Testing a Tool Designed to Operationalize a Multitreatment Approach in Hardwood-Dominated Stands in Eastern Canada

“…By concentrating machine traffic in areas deemed to have sufficient standing volume to warrant entry, more wood was harvested per linear meter of trail. This, in turn, can increase revenues of the operation by reducing unnecessary machine-tracking time, where both fuel and time are being consumed without any harvesting activities performed [27].…”

Comparing Accuracy of Three Methods Based on the GIS Environment for Determining Winching Areas

“…This work made it possible to obtain a classification of forest areas in order to plan more efficient forest operations, which would not be possible without the application of GIS. Picchio et al [26] developed a GIS model to classify two forest estates in Central Italy into areas which were accessible or inaccessible for extraction by tractor with a winch and/or lightweight cable yarder. Based on this classification, a proposal for improving the forest road network was made using GIS.…”