Untitled Document

The Goal

The goal of the Seedling Assessment Program (SAP) is to use technology to streamline the data collection system used by the forest industry. This goal can be realized in several ways; by reducing costly data re-entry, improved accuracy in data compilation, standardized reporting, and electronic data transfer to and from legacy databases. The SAP program addresses all of these issues.

The forestry data collection procedure can be divided into three sub-problems: data collection, data analysis and reporting, and the maintenance of the company's history records. Using th SAP program, the surveyor uses the PDA to collect and upload the data onto a PC, where it is compiled and reports are generated. Finally, the data is then exported to an electronic format that allows the data to be uploaded into a legacy database such as Genus and Phoenix.

Data Collection

The field data collection is done using PDAs which can be programmed to meet a variety of needs. We have been using these devices since 2000 and they have proved to be reliable and cost efficient. These devices have several add-on features that improve their functionality. Some of these add-on features include digital cameras, GPS units and memory chips for on-the-spot backups. There is a variety of protective cases available as well; though not required are highly recommended. All PDAs come with the hardware and software needed to connect to the computer.

Data Compilation and Reporting

The field data is uploaded onto the PC where it is compiled and presented in reports that are used to make forestry related decisions. The basic reports include a calculations page and a summary page with comments to explain the results. The SAP program allows these reports to be modified or additonal reports can be made.

Data Transfer

The SAP program solves the problem of how to get data to and from an existing database. In order to conduct a survey, history rcords are consulted to determine the parameters of the survey. Once the survey has been completed, the history records are updated to reflect the results of the survey.

West Creek Silviculture Ltd.
	The Seedling Assessment Program The Goal The goal of the Seedling Assessment Program (SAP) is to use technology to streamline the data collection system used by the forest industry. This goal can be realized in several ways; by reducing costly data re-entry, improved accuracy in data compilation, standardized reporting, and electronic data transfer to and from legacy databases. The SAP program addresses all of these issues. The forestry data collection procedure can be divided into three sub-problems: data collection, data analysis and reporting, and the maintenance of the company's history records. Using th SAP program, the surveyor uses the PDA to collect and upload the data onto a PC, where it is compiled and reports are generated. Finally, the data is then exported to an electronic format that allows the data to be uploaded into a legacy database such as Genus and Phoenix. Data Collection The field data collection is done using PDAs which can be programmed to meet a variety of needs. We have been using these devices since 2000 and they have proved to be reliable and cost efficient. These devices have several add-on features that improve their functionality. Some of these add-on features include digital cameras, GPS units and memory chips for on-the-spot backups. There is a variety of protective cases available as well; though not required are highly recommended. All PDAs come with the hardware and software needed to connect to the computer. Data Compilation and Reporting The field data is uploaded onto the PC where it is compiled and presented in reports that are used to make forestry related decisions. The basic reports include a calculations page and a summary page with comments to explain the results. The SAP program allows these reports to be modified or additonal reports can be made. Data Transfer The SAP program solves the problem of how to get data to and from an existing database. In order to conduct a survey, history rcords are consulted to determine the parameters of the survey. Once the survey has been completed, the history records are updated to reflect the results of the survey.