Peitemittari

Peitemittari is a Finnish term that translates to "cover meter" or "sheath meter." It refers to a specialized measuring instrument used in forestry and related fields to determine the diameter of a tree trunk at a specified height, typically at breast height (1.3 meters or 4.5 feet above ground level). This measurement is crucial for estimating timber volume, assessing tree health, and conducting forest inventories.

There are several types of peitemittari. The most common are caliper-style devices that consist of two jaws that can be opened and closed around the tree trunk. The distance between the jaws is then read off a scale. Another type is the tape measure-style peitemittari, which is a flexible tape with a built-in scale that wraps around the tree. Some advanced digital peitemittarit also exist, which can automatically record measurements and even calculate diameter at breast height.

Accurate use of a peitemittari requires the instrument to be held perpendicular to the tree's axis and to be placed at the correct height. Variations in tree shape, such as irregularities or large branches, can affect the accuracy of the measurement. Therefore, foresters often take multiple readings and average them to obtain a more reliable diameter estimate. The data collected using a peitemittari is fundamental for sustainable forest management, enabling informed decisions regarding harvesting, silvicultural treatments, and conservation efforts.