Visual Simulation of Interactive Process of Stand Growth, Structure and Thinning

A new visual simulation method of interactive process of forest management was proposed. First of all, we developed a manager-oriented visual workflow designer and designed ten graphic self-defined activities. Secondly, using lexical, syntax and semantic analysis of compiler principles, a self-defined mathematical model parser was constructed and a self-defined visualization model of stand growth was achieved. Thirdly, combining thinning measures and stand structure analysis, five quantitative indices for selecting and removing trees were defined and visualization models of interactive decision making for tree removal and self-defined stand thinning measures were constructed. Furthermore, stand statuses in three dimensions were visually simulated before and after thinning. By integrating the abovementioned techniques and methods, in addition, we established a visual workflow model of interactive thinning using man-machine interaction and graphic format and realized the visual simulation of interactive thinning by designing workflow tracking services and a workflow engine. The visual simulation of interactive thinning was tested through a pure Chinese fir plantation plot. The results showed that the intuitive visual simulation of the stand growth, stand structure and thinning as well as their interaction of information could be achieved, and that the whole process was manager-oriented with strong adaptability, visualization, operability and interactivity. This technique can implement the visual simulation of thinning process, effect and stand dynamics in the future and achieve the real-time monitoring and guidance on thinning.