Newletter 2

2019/12/23

METHODOLOGY FOR COLLECTING NFI DATA 2

In partnership with the SAEPF technical group on NFI#2, experts from the UNIQUE-CAREC consortium developed and completed an inventory methodology. It has been developed taking into account the field work methodology of the State Educational Institution of Higher Educational Institutions and the first National Forest Inventory. New additional attributes desscribing forests and forest resources, obtained from the assessment of information needs with Krygyz stakeholders, were also taken into account.

For 6 types of forests: coniferous, walnut, juniper, pistachio, other deciduous forests and shrubs, strata were created (these are forest formations). A coordinate grid has been developed for these strata with various steps from 2×2 km to 8×16 km.

The coordinate grid also integrates the test areas for forest inventory (500×500 meters) and coincides with one of the three sections of the NFI#2. Synchronization was carried out during field work in the Ala-Archa National Park. Each path has a clear location, which is determined using modern GPS devices. In addition, the data of previously established trial plots help in the search for the right site. This is crucial for assessing the dynamics of changes in forests by re-measuring the same plots of forest inventory.

During the first inventory of forests, the number of tractors was 766, of which the number of tractors for work was 564. On the second NFI, the number of tractors was determined within 1300 tractors, as well as forest tractors of the first inventory (113 tractors). Within the framework of the second national forest inventory, satellite imagery interpretation and the use of field data are planned, which provided more than 95% accuracy and the map of forests in Kyrgyzstan will be updated.

TRAINING FOR TEAM LEADER: TESTING THE SOFTWARE

The objectives of the training were familiarization with the methodology of field work, with the software for collecting field data and modern measuring devices.

Practical trainings for two field groups were held on the territory of the Chon-Kemin state natural park of the Chui region and the Arstanbap-Ata forestry of the Jalal-Abad region. The training was attended by representatives of TSIL, future field team leaders, experts from the UNIQUE consortium – CAREC. The teams were led by international expert Metodi Panev, national coordinator Kuban Matraimov and international expert Alexander Gradel. The main focus was on the participants learning how to work with electronic software for entering field data directly on the trial plot. Another important point was the consolidation of technical skills in using new tools that will simplify the measurement of tree parameters and other indicators of the trial area.

By feedback from the participants in the training on software and methodology, several points were finalized – a correct translation of the terms from English into Russian was made, the procedure for collecting different indicators was updated. The teams were also able to assess how much time is required to inventory one path and how to improve the field work process.

NEW DATA COLLECTION TOOLS

Modern methods and devices allow for a more accurate assessment than before. During the first inventory of forests, to find the centers of the trial plot, to measure the height and location of trees, the slope of the terrain, several separate tools were used. NFI#2 will use more modern tools that work faster and more accurately. For example, take measurements using ultrasound or a VERTEX Geolaser 5 laser. This device can measure the horizontal distance between objects, the height of a tree, the slopes and exposure of the area, and the device also has a compass function. Another innovation is an application designed specifically for the inventory of forests in Kyrgyzstan.

A special application NFI#2 will allow you to collect data in digital form. The application is developed on the Android platform and installed on field tablets. Enhances data collection and fieldwork. The application is connected with GIS maps of tracts and tracts and trial plots of NFI#1 and forest inventory. The application works without the Internet and when accessing the Internet, data can be exported to a cloud storage server. Thus, data is not lost, and the control group can monitor the progress of the work of field teams throughout Kyrgyzstan.

Newletter 2

METHODOLOGY FOR COLLECTING NFI DATA 2

TRAINING FOR TEAM LEADER: TESTING THE SOFTWARE

NEW DATA COLLECTION TOOLS

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