2.12 Interpretation plot and variable size of plots

Segments

Segments do not have to be only a simple subcircles. You can combine more difficult shapes of plots. The biggest segment (in an area) is always the main plot.

Interpretation plot

In some projects it is necessary to have a plots segment for tree mapping and another bigger plot for describing and mapping other parameters (e.g.,  mapping of roads, rivers, etc.). For this purpose Field-Map allows you to establish an interpretation plot of the same size as the biggest segment or bigger where tree diameters are not checked.

Variable size of plots

A variable size of plots allows you to decide how big a plot will be directly in the field. A variable size of a plot can be used only on circular plots.

You can combine an interpretation plot with a variable size of a plot and other segments. The variable size of a plot has to be smaller than the interpretation plot and bigger then the biggest segment.

Segments

Segments can be complex. You can combine the main plot shape from templates, an interpretation plot, a variable size of a plot and other segments.

Main rules for working with segments:

1. The interpretation plot has to be the biggest of all the segments and plot shapes.
2. Tree diameter limit has to increase with the increasing size of a segment.
3. If you establish a circular variable size plot directly in the forest, the size of the plot has to be smaller than the interpretation plot and bigger than the biggest segment.

(An example of a project with an interpretation plot, a variable size of plots and one segment)

1. When creating a new project, set “Predefined plot shape” to “Circular plots” and choose ”Variable size” from the “Predefined sizes” (see the Creating a new project chapter for more details).

2. Select the menu item Project > Edit Plot Segments (see the Edit Plot segments chapter for more details).

3. Click the first segment and click Edit segment.

4. Type the Diameter limit for the plot of a variable size.
5. Click OK.

6. Click Add segment.

7. For the Diameter limit select Interpretation plot.
8. Select
1. Circular segment and type Radius or Area
   or 
2. Segment border from template.
9. Click OK.
   (Other segments can be added the same way.)

10. Segment has been added.
11. Click OK.

Interpretation plot and variable size of plots

12. Open the project in the Field-Map Data Collector.
13. Set Radius or Predefined Size of a new plot.
14. Set ID and Name of a new plot.
15. Click OK.

16. Go to Tools and select Show segments.The segments appear.
1. The main plot (in this case a variable plot). The trees on this plot are controlled by a defined diameter limit.
2. An Interpretation plot (bigger than the main plot). If you try to add a tree to an interpretation plot outside the main plot, the message “Tree is outside the plot” appears.

If you have added a tree below the diameter limit, then a confirmation window appears.

If you have added a tree outside the plot, then a confirmation window appears.