In This Section

Cruiser Details

Login

Assessment


Cruiser provides a straightforward assessment method to obtain a comprehensive and objective description for each stem.  There is no ambiguity about how to record details since stem features, such as branching, or sweep, are assessed independently. All that is required is for the assessor to take one feature; observe the entire length of the stem and record dimensions and start and end points for any occurrence of the feature. This process is repeated for each stem feature.

 This method contrasts with MARVL inventory, where non-overlapping sections of the stem are assigned to classes defined by a unique combination of features. Because Cruiser does not require the field crews to translate features to coded sections, the resulting yield estimates are more repeatable between assessment crews. Cruiser analyses MARVL data by simply treating these sections as user-defined qualities.

Data

It is possible to view and edit all of the assessment data from the one application. A hierarchy of folders can be created to organise assessment data into logical groups. The forest manager will find the layout and functionality easy to use as it is consistent with Windows® Explorer. For example a click on the height column in the list view will sort all stems in a plot by height.

Yields  


The Cruiser inventory assessments of stems ensure that potential yields can be reliably determined from specified log-product definitions and strategies. There are two options for log cutting; to fulfil a priority list of log types or to achieve maximum value from each stem based on specified log prices. The log-product grade definitions and values used can be re-used or repeatedly changed.  

A wood density model is available to calculate log density so that any log products constrained by a minimum density can be incorporated. Recovery of top pieces and multi-breakage prediction can further refine yield estimates.

Predictions


Cruiser predicts stand growth over time by using species-specific growth models based on stands or individual trees. Branch size is a major determinant in log quality so yield predictions are improved by modelling branch growth over time using branch data from the inventory assessment. Log product yields produced by thinning a stand can be calculated by applying rules about which stems will be removed. The residual stems can be grown forward to provide any future thinning or clearfelling yield predictions.

 Scenarios, which may be based on a number of assessed blocks, different harvest dates and cutting strategies, can be selected interactively and analysed and reported at once. Alternatively command-line scripts can be written to automate large processing jobs.  

 Cruiser fully supports the analysis of MARVL assessment data.