Sampling Methodology for Studying Boreal Post-Fire Residual Stand Structure with High Resolution Aerial Photography and Field Plots

Book excerpt: This report documents the use of high resolution aerial photography as an alternative to traditional field sampling methods for assessing post-fire residual structure. High resolution photography (HRP), also termed large scale photography (LSP), refers to aerial photographs interpreted at scales of 1:25,000 or larger. Eleven fires were selected for sampling across boreal Ontario in 2005. Within fires, HRP was used to sample residual structure, i.e., trees, snags, and downed wood, in point samples of 0.05 ha circular points within one to four months post-fire ignition. Fifty field plots were established in four of the sample fires for error assessment of photo-interpretation and to allow short-term monitoring of changes in post fire residual structure. Methods used to select fires, capture and interpret sample photographs, and establish and assess field sample plots are described. The two sampling methods are compared in terms of feasibility and cost--Document.