Interpretation of forest characteristics from computer-generated images

The need for effective communication in the management and planning of forested landscapes has led to a substantial increase in the use of visual information. Using forest plots from California, Oregon, and Washington, and a survey of 183 natural resource professionals in these states, we examined the use of computer-generated images to convey information about forest characteristics. Age and density (basal area (BA)) were underestimated for large, old, dense forest and overestimated for small, young, open forest. While accuracy of responses for density, tree size, and age of forest plot images was low, the ordering of such images by these attributes did correspond to the actual forest plot characteristics. Alterations to the standard image were made for three of the forest plots, including alterations for the area depicted, the incorporation of under-story vegetation and fallen trees, the addition of a truck, and regular and clumpy individual tree spacing. Image alterations did affect some mean responses for tree size, density, fire hazard, vertical stratification, and forest age. Results show managers and planners may need to exercise caution and supplement images with additional information to avoid miscommunication about the nature of current and projected forest landscapes.