1. General Model Information

Name: Stand Visualization System

Acronym: SVS

Main medium: terrestrial
Main subject: forestry
Organization level: forest stand, plant
Type of model: not specified
Main application:
Keywords: forest stand, tree form, plant form, visualization

Contact:

and authors: Robert J. McGaughey

USDA Forest Service
Pacific Northwest Research Station
Univ. Of Washington
PO Box 352100
Seattle, WA 98195
USA

Tel.: +1 206 543-4713
Email: mcgoy@u.washington.edu

Author(s):

Abstract:

SVS generates graphic images depicting stand conditions represented by a list of individual stand components, e.g., trees, shrubs, and down material. The images produced by SVS, while abstract, provide a readily understood representation of stand conditions. Images produced using SVS help communicate silvicultural treatments and forest management alternatives to a variety of audiences.

SVS provides the following capabilities:

Display stand information represented by a list of individual plant and log components in a realistic, although abstract, fashion
Display stand information in a manner that communicates the overall structural diversity present within the stand
Differentiate between stand components using different plant forms, colors, or other types of marking
Provide overhead, profile and perspective views of a stand
Allow the user to vary the parameters controlling all views
Allow users to define plant forms and colors based on species, plant type, and plant position within the canopy
Provide tabular and graphical summaries of stand information before and after a silvicultural treatment
Display information describing individual stand components as they are selected by the user
Allow the user to design of silvicultural treatments by "marking" stand components and specifying a treatment

SVS allows users to create stand treatments by marking individual trees on either the perspective or overhead displays. Users can mark eight "scenarios" or treatments.

Abstract author: Robert J. McGaughey: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station

II. Technical Information

II.1 Executables:

Operating System(s): The Stand Visualization System can be retrieved from forsys.cfr.washington.edufrom the /pub/svs directory: forsys.cfr.washington.edu/pub/software/svs MS-DOS

II.2 Source-code:

Programming Language(s): C (Borland C++ version 3.1)

II.3 Manuals:

Currently available in hard copy only. Manual will be available fordownload in the future.

II.4 Data:

SVS requires two primary types of data: a list of stand components andplant form definitions. The stand component list describes the species,size and location of each component in a stand. Plant form definitionsdescribe the appearance of each species and, optionally, the appearanceof individuals exhibiting different growth forms within a species. Utility programs provided with SVS convert simple stand tables containingspecies, diameter, height, crown ratio, crown width, and number of treesper acre or hectare into individual tree lists. The utilities also allowthe introduction of downed logs into a stand. Plant Form Definitions
Users define the appearance of each species represented in a componentlist using a plant form definition. Form definitions describe the overallgrowth form; geometry and number of branches or leaves; and color of thestem, branches and foliage. SVS provides a "tree designer" tohelp users develop form definitions for the species and growth forms intheir area. SVS uses the species identifier as the primary link betweenthe component list and the plant form definitions. However, two additionalparameters, tree class and crown class, can be used to distinguish individualswithin a species. Interpretation and use of these two parameters is underthe complete control of the user. SVS reserves the value of 99 for thetree class and crown class to represent a "wild-card" value.
SVS uses a tree designer dialog box to allow users to easily modify theparameters that control the shape and appearance of individual plants drawnby SVS.

III. Mathematical Information

III.1 Mathematics

III.2 Quantities

III.2.1 Input

III.2.2 Output

IV. References

McGaughey, Robert J. 1997
Visualizing forest stand dynamics using the stand visualization system.In Proceedings: 1997 ACSM/ASPRS Annual Convention & Exposition; April7-10; Seattle, WA. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Photogrammetry andRemote Sensing. Volume 4: p. 248-257.

V. Further information in the World-Wide-Web

The home pageof the stand visualization system SVS (USDA Forest Service, Pacific

VI. Additional remarks

Last review of this document by: RobertJ. McGaughey and M. Sonntag:April, 15th 1997
Status of the document:
last modified by Tobias Gabele Wed Aug 21 21:44:50 CEST 2002