Kasvustokartoitus

Kasvustokartoitus is a systematic survey of vegetation stands designed to describe their species composition, structure and condition. In forestry, agriculture and land management, it provides information on which species are present, their abundance, stocking, age and size distribution, regeneration potential, growth status, and health. The results support planning, monitoring and decision-making in forest management, conservation, and habitat planning.

Scope and indicators: Typical indicators include species composition and relative abundance, stand density and basal area, average diameter at breast height (DBH) and height, age classes, regeneration status, ground cover and litter, signs of damage or pests, invasive species, and estimates of biomass or carbon. The exact scope depends on objective, stand type, and regulations, and may cover commercially managed stands as well as protected or semi-natural vegetation.

Methods: Kasvustokartoitus combines field surveys with remote sensing. On the ground, survey methods include fixed-radius or variable-radius plots and transects to collect data on species, DBH, height, age class, vitality and damage. Geolocation and photographic records accompany data collection. Remote sensing with drones, aerial imagery or LiDAR provides broader coverage and change detection and is integrated with field data in a GIS.

Applications and workflow: Typical workflow includes planning, sampling design, data collection, data quality control, processing and analysis, and reporting. Outputs are mapped inventories, stocking charts and growth projections. Kasvustokartoitus informs thinning and harvest planning, regeneration assessment, biodiversity monitoring, habitat management, and compliance with forest policy and environmental obligations.