 Assessing Urban Ecosystems
Working with a complete inventory
The data needs of UFORE depend to a certain extent upon the nature of the output desired -- i.e., what forest functions or values are to be quantified (see the Manual for details).
Field data inputs
The ability of UFORE to report on the structural and function of the resource are determined by the extent of data collected in the field. Depending on the report types desired, the needed attributes for each tree will include size and crown measurements in additional to geographic location data. Many existing inventories that were not designed for UFORE compatibility include minimal attributes that may limit the extent of UFORE outputs. For example, if only species and DBH were collected, then only some structure and functions can be estimated. The addition of height and crown characteristics allows UFORE to make projection of carbon storage and sequestration and air pollution removal. Users wishing to utilize all of UFORE's capabilities can bolster their existing field data by adding attributes. See the Manual for details.
Weather and pollutant concentration inputs
In addition to field data inputs, and depending on outputs desired, location specific weather and air pollution inputs are required. These data are available for the United States for the year 2000 at no cost from the USDA Forest Service office in Syracuse, NY (support).
Weather data
Hourly weather data are necessary to analyze:
Air pollution data
Hourly pollution concentration data are required to analyze:
- air pollution removal by the urban forest
- relative ranking of species effects on air quality
Twice daily sounding measurements are needed to calculate percent air quality improvement due to pollution removal. Available from the Forest Service office in Syracuse for some areas or from NOAA, see the Manual.
Select from the options below:
|
