Spatial Forest Management Planning: Basic Concepts And Modeling Techniques

Abstract

Spatial Decision Support System is indispensable to develop spatial planning alternative by integrating spatial parameters into forest management plans using ecosystem based multiple use forest management planning concept (EBMUFM). Spatial forest planning provides several opportunities to decision makers to generate spatially implementable harvest schedules and perform spatial analyses as part of integrated planning. This paper presents the role and importance of spatial forest planning in forest management, and evaluates it in the context of Turkish forestry. Basic concepts related to spatial forest planning are explained. Some important intuitive decision support techniques (modeling techniques) widely used in spatial forest management planning were introduced. Further, spatial decision support systems for forest management planning developed in various countries were provided. Finally, it is concluded that spatial forest planning is extremely needed in EBMUFM.