Abstract
In this study, suitable sites for clearcutting and reforestation were found by combining GIS thematic maps expressed by standard scores in the case of the University of Tokyo Chiba Forest. The map themes were stand age over rotation age, site quality, accessibility and slope stability, and they were combined after conversion of original units into a common scale of standard scores. Then, planted stands suitable for clearcutting and reforestation were selected considering yarding feasibility. As a result, 18 sub-compartments were selected as candidate stands that had combined scores over 50 in the combined thematic map with stand sizes over 3 ha. Finally, 6 sub-compartments passed the yarding feasibility check to see if there was any obstacle along the sky line of cable logging between the two peaks in the visible area from the neighboring yard. A standard score was useful to set several thematic maps into a common scale when they were combined and to select subcompartments almost better than an average in all aspects of thematic maps. The suggested method was flexible and could contribute to a wider use of GIS in the field of forest planning.
