Web service based spatial forest information system using an open source software approach

For technical and other reasons there is a dilemma that data providers cannot find an appropriate way to redistribute spatial forest data and data users who need spatial data cannot access and integrate available forest resources information. To overcome this dilemma, this paper proposed a spatial forest information system based on Web service using an open source software approach. With Web service based architecture, the system can enable interoperability, integrate Web services from other application servers, reuse codes, and shorten the development time and cost. At the same time, it is possible to extend the local system to a regional or national spatial forest information system. The growth of Open Source Software （OSS） provides an alternative choice to proprietary software for operating systems, web servers, Web-based GIS applications and database management systems. Using open source software to develop spatial forest information systems can greatly reduce the cost while providing high performance and sharing spatial forest information. We chose open source software to build a prototype system for Xixia County, Henan Province, China. By integrating OSS packages Deegree and UMN MapServer which are compliant to the OGC open specifications, the prototype system enables users to access spatial forest information and travelling information of Xixia County which come from two different data servers via a standard Web browser and promotes spatial forest information sharing.

Efficiency of sample-based indices for spatial pattern recognition of wild pistachio(Pistacia atlantica) trees in semi-arid woodlands

The efficiency of sample-based indices proposed to quantify the spatial distribution of trees is influenced by the structure of tree stands, environmental heterogeneity and degree of aggregation. We evaluated 10 commonly used distance-based and 10 density-based indices using two structurally different stands of wild pistachio trees in the Zagros woodlands, Iran, to assess the reliability of each in revealing stand structure in woodlands. All trees were completely stem-mapped in a nearly pure（40 ha） and a mixed（45 ha） stand. First, the inhomogeneous pair correlation function [g（r）] and the Clark-Evans index（CEI） were used as references to reveal the true spatial arrangement of all trees in these stands. The sampled data were then evaluated using the 20 indices.Sampling was undertaken in a grid based on a square lattice using square plots（30 m 9 30 m） and nearest neighbor distances at the sample points. The g（r） and CEI statistics showed that the wild pistachio trees were aggregated in both stands, although the degree of aggregation was markedly higher in the pure stand. Three distance- and six density-based indices statistically verified that the wild pistachio trees were aggregated in both stands. The distance-based Hines and Hines statistic（ht） and the densitybased standardised Morisita（Ip）, patchiness（IP） and Cassie（CA） indices revealed aggregation of the trees in the two structurally different stands in the Zagros woodlands and the higher clumping in the pure stand, whereas the other indices were not sensitive enough.

Radial growth response of Pinus densiflora and Quercus spp.to topographic and climatic factors in South Korea

Aims This study aimed to develop radial growth models and to predict the potential spatial distribution of Pinus densiflora(Japanese red pine)and Quercus spp.(Oaks)in South Korea,considering topographic and climatic factors.Methods We used a dataset of diameter at breast height and radial growth estimates of individual trees,topographic and climatic factors in systematic sample plots distributed over the whole of South Korea.On the basis that radial growth is attributed primarily to tree age,we developed a radial growth model employing tree age as an explanatory variable.We estimated standard growth(SG),defined as radial growth of the tree at age 30,to eliminate the influence of tree age on radial growth.In addition,SG estimates including the Topographic Wetness Index,temperature and precipitation were calculated by the Generalized Additive Model.Important Findings As a result of variogram analysis of SG,we found spatial autocorrelation between SG,topographic and climatic factors.Incremental temperature had negative impacts on radial growth of P.densiflora and positive impacts on that of Quercus spp.Precipitation was associated with positive effects on both tree species.Based on the model,we found that radial growth of P.densiflora would be more vulnerable than that of Quercus spp.to climatic factors.Through simulation with the radial growth model,it was predicted that P.densiflora stands would be gradually replaced with Quercus spp.stands in eastern coastal and southern regions of South Korea in the future.The models developed in this study will be helpful for understanding the impact of climatic factors on tree growth and for predicting changes in distribution of P.densiflora and Quercus spp.due to climate change in South Korea.