Geostatistical approach to mortality pattern analysis using remote sensing and large-scale

inventory ground measurements

Qingmin Meng

Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

Tel: (706) 542-1180

Fax: (706) 542-8356

Email: qxm3311@owl.forestry.uga.edu

Chris J. Cieszewski

Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

Email: biomat@forestry.uga.edu

Roger C. Lowe

Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

Email: rcl7820@owl.forestry.uga.edu

Michal Zasada

Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

and Faculty of Forestry, Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland

Email: mzasada@forestry.uga.edu

Abstract: 

Spatial patterns of tree mortality are important factors in analysis of forest health and sustainable forest management. We analyze spatial characteristics of forest tree mortality, including mortality of all trees, hardwoods, and softwoods between 1989 and 1997 in Georgia. We used for this purpose the 1989 and 1997 USDA Forest Service FIA permanent sample plot data, spatial scan statistic and semivariogram analysis methods, and GIS techniques. This research reveals that the forest tree mortality agglomerated and the clusters changed between 1989 and 1997. Semivariogram analysis suggests the strengths of spatial dependence were significantly different among the hardwoods, softwoods, and all trees in 1989 and 1997. Spatial analysis of tree damage indicates that agents of tree damage were also agglomerated and some combinations of these damages directly determined the spatial patterns of forest tree mortality.

Author Keywords:
GIS, forest tree mortality, semivariogram analysis, spatial patterns, spatial scan statistic, state of Georgia

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