3. Specification of field site data

3.1 Overview and data model

Data from a site are tied together in a fixed data model that allows statistically correct aggregations of data across severals sites. This data model, and the defined variables tied to it, represents the global core of the Global Forest Survey. It is a kernel that can be applied in any region of the world, yet still contain information essential to sustainable forest management.

The implementation of the Global Forest Survey in a country may result in a considerable expansion of the core data model, to cater for national information needs. The purpose is then of course to maximize the value of the collected information for national purposes. This information will however not be particularly useful for comparison with other countries as the specification is unique to the country in question.

Figure 6 gives an overview of the core data model for the Global Forest Survey.

Figure 6. Core data model for the Global Forest Survey. Normal database annotations for relations apply (e.g. one-to-many relationships). Boxes identify tables further described in section 3.2.

3.2 Data table descriptions and variables

In the following sections, variables in each table are defined. Further explanations (code tables) to variables are found and discussed in more detail in Appendix 1. The variables below are both biophysical and socio-economic. The data collection method is described later in this paper.

3.2.1 Sample site (Tract)

Variables collected from the sample site (tract).

Variable	Comment
Tract.ID	Identification number
Tract.Latitude	Latitude in decimal form
Tract.Longitude	Longitude in decimal form
Tract.Altitude	Height above sea level for center point [m]
Tract.AdminUnit	Name of administrative unit of the sample site
Tract.TopographyEcol	Topography and ecological zone description [names]
Tract.Stratum Tract.Size of stratum Tract.Access	Stratum in the country if applicable [n] Size [ha] Distance [n] to sample site
Tract.Population	Population living on the site [n]
Tract.PopulationSince Tract.SettlementHistory Tract.LivelihoodTrend	Number of years that population has lived on site [n] History of the settlement [description] Livelihood trend of population
Tract.PopDynamics	Population dynamics
Tract.PopInfluence	Population influence on forest resources
Tract.Ownership	Ownership of land
Tract.Designation	Legal designation of land
Tract.EcolProblem	Ecological problem identified by population

3.2.2 Land use unit (Stand)

Variables collected from the different land use units (stands).

Variable	Comment
Stand.ID	Id number
Stand.Tract_ID	Id number for tract
Stand.LandUse	Current land use of stand
Stand.LandUseBefore	Land use 10 years ago
Stand.StandType	Forest type
Stand.CrownCover	Crown cover
Stand.Structure	Forest structure
Stand.CanopyPattern	Canopy pattern
Stand.Disturbance	Disturbance in forest

3.2.3 Sub-plot

Variables measured in the subplots in the sample site (tract).

Variable	Comment
SubPlot.ID	Id number
SubPlot.Plot_ID	Id number for plot
SubPlot.Stand_ID	Id number for stand
SubPlot.Size	Size of plot m2
SubPlot.StandOrigin	Origin of tree stand
SubPlot.Regeneration	Regeneration
SubPlot.Silviculture	Silviculture done (observed)? Yes/No
SubPlot.NatRegeneration	Natural regeneration observed? Yes/No
SubPlot.EnrichPlant	Enrichment planting done (observed)? Yes/No
SubPlot.Cleaning	Cleaning done (observed)? Yes/No
SubPlot.SelectiveCutting	Selective cutting done (observed)? Yes/No
SubPlot.Thinning	Thinning cutting done (observed)? Yes/No
SubPlot.Pruning	Pruning cutting done (observed)? Yes/No
SubPlot.FinalFelling	Final felling (observed)? Yes/No
SubPlot.TimberExploit	Tree felling in plot
SubPlot.WildlifeDamage	Damage by wildlife
SubPlot.ForestHealth	Health of forest
SubPlot.BurningArea	Area of burning
SubPlot.BurningDate	Date of burning
SubPlot.SoilTexture	Soil texture
SubPlot.SoilMoisture	Soil moisture

3.2.4 Tree

Variables measured from trees in the sub-plots.

Variable	Comment
Tree.SubPlot_ID	Id number for sub-plot
Tree.Species	Scientific name
Tree.Diameter	Mm
Tree.Height	M
Tree.Shape	Shape of tree
Tree.Health	Health of tree

3.2.5 Products/ Services (Utilities)

Variables that are collected from product and services (utilities) that are harvested in the land use unit (stand).

Variable	Comment
Utility.ID	Id number
Utility.Stand_ID	Id number for stand
Utility.TypeProduct	Type of product used
Utility.Rank	Internal ranking of importance within stand. 1 is most important
Utility.SeasonExtract Utility.FrequencyExtract	Season of extraction Frequency of extraction
Utility.ChangeExtract Utility.DemandSupply Utility.SpecieSubstitut Utility.Technology	Reason for change in frequency of extraction Demand and supply Species substitution Technology of extraction
Utility.EndUser	End user
Utility.LastExtracted	Last time extracted

3.2.6 Species used

Variables collected from the species used in the stand.

Variable	Comment
SpeciesUsed.Utility_ID	Id number for utility
SpeciesUsed.Species	Scientific name
SpeciesUsed.LocalName	The local (site) name of the species

3.2.7 User

Variables collected from the user of the forest products in the stand.

Variable	Comment
UtilityUser.Utility_ID	Id number for utility
UtilityUser.UserType	Type of user
UtilityUser.Rights	Harvest rights of user
UtilityUser.Conflicts	Conflicts related to product harvested