Relationships between ground-based forest data and a multipleinterpretation- based certainty map

The locations of 482 ground-based forest inventory sample plots were overlaid on a map indicating the certainty of the forest type as identified at each location by aerial photo-interpreters. Plots were then stratified into areas of high and low certainty and the means and coefficients of variation for wood volume calculated for each group. Results indicated that the measured wood volumes from sample plots located on areas of high map certainty were higher and less variable than wood volume estimates from sample plots located on areas of low map certainty. It is suggested that sample plots located on areas of high certainty can be used from one forest inventory to another to provide long-term cost-savings.