Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Forestry is a very specific branch of industry, dependant on biotic and abiotic hazards of production where wind can be listed as one of the most important one. Each year damage caused by this factor to the production can be valued up to $ 150 million. A way to achieve a reduction of loses and costs can be application of adequate risk management methods.
Risk assessment is a main element of risk management, unfortunately high cost makes it extremely difficult to apply in most of forest estates. A solution to this problem can be a simulation of wind damage probability provided i.e.: in WINDA simulator with the use of the kNN data. The aim of this paper is to test usefulness of the kNN Dataset and its precision in WINDA simulation. The results show significant similarities in comparison with traditional dataset. The highest discrepancies between dataset were visible in such elements as: number of points exposed to the wind where traditional dataset was 4,5 times bigger than the kNN; and the total length of exposed stands edges created on base of exposed points was already only twice times bigger. Despite visible differences tested number and length of exposed stands edges in relative comparison draw a similar trend. Statistical test on mean height of stands confirms that there are no significant differences between traditional and satellite acquired data.
Obtained in the research results showing similarities and usefulness of the kNN data promotes this method in risk assessment to future development and deeper studies.