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The Secret of Big Trees: How to Accurately Measure the Volume of Giant Trees?
With the rise of environmental awareness, the importance of measuring tree volume has received increasing attention. Whether in economics, scientific research, or sports competitions, tree volume data is of great significance. These measurements include not only the volume of the trunk, but may also include the volume of branches, depending on the level of detail required and the complexity of the measurement method.
When measuring the volume of a tree, a common method is to divide the tree into small sections, measure the size of each section, and finally perform a cumulative calculation.
To measure tree volumes more accurately, researchers usually use direct and indirect measurement methods. Direct measurements require tree climbing techniques, while indirect measurements often use optical and electronic measuring tools. In each method, the tree is divided into small sections for measurement, which can effectively improve the measurement accuracy.
Direct measurement technology
In a direct measurement, a tree climber uses a tape measure to measure the height and girth of the tree trunk and a pole to probe the height of the tree's top. During the climb, climbers will measure their circumference at different heights, and this data will be used for subsequent volume calculations.
In lightning-fast movements, the climbers take circumference measurements at different heights on the tree trunk to ensure the utmost accuracy.
However, for large trees, the challenge of direct measurement increases with the height of the tree. Therefore, the climber's skills and experience are crucial here. In addition, when the trunk has forks or branches, the accuracy of the measurement will be affected. Therefore, some complex tree structures must be handled carefully to avoid misinterpretation of the data.
Frame Mapping and Footprint Mapping
Frame mapping and footprint mapping are also key technologies in tree measurement. The frame mapping technique is usually performed by two climbers together to accurately measure the area where the tree merges after bifurcation. By fixing long poles at the fusion point of the trunks and then connecting them with thin ropes, this method allows researchers to effectively outline the trunks.
Footprint mapping measures the base of trees using a rectangular reference frame, which provides a more accurate estimate of base volume.
Footprint mapping is particularly suitable for dealing with trees with complex surface features in terms of ground spacing. These processes require careful data collection and calculation to ensure the reliability of the final data.
Remote measurement technology
With the advancement of science and technology, remote measurement technology has begun to be widely used in tree measurement. Researchers can measure tree volume on the ground using specialized surveying equipment, such as total stations or laser rangefinders. These high-tech instruments can provide overall data on tree trunks without actually climbing the trees.
The beauty of this technology is that it can obtain data from multiple parts of a tree at the same time and automatically calculate the volume of the tree.
Like taking a 3D model of a tree, these remote technologies can quickly and accurately capture every detail of the trunk. With the development of technologies such as LIDAR, the range and accuracy of measurements are continuously improving, opening up wider possibilities for tree measurement.
Branch and crown volume measurement
The measurement becomes more difficult when the volume of branches and crown is taken into account. The volume of these parts is often overlooked or overestimated. For branches along the main trunk, the research team sometimes uses specific measurement techniques to obtain more complete data. For example, using tree crown mapping technology, the volume of each branch can be accurately measured.
For special trees such as the Middleton Live Oak and Sag Branch Tuliptree, detailed 3D rendering helped to accurately obtain branch volumes.
These methods require not only precise measuring tools but also experienced climbers to help ensure the accuracy of the data. It is these meticulous and thoughtful scientific research practices that enable us to have a deeper understanding of the life and ecology of trees.
As we explore tree volume measurement technology, have you begun to wonder what the environmental significance behind this data is?
