Abstract
The discriminant analysis method (DAM), which is a method for analyzing forest stratification, was qualitatively compared with a method using symmetric type difference diagrams (SDM) by applying both methods to four types of actual forest stands. The number of strata determined by DAM and SDM were different. Using SDM, cases of forest stands that could not be successfully stratified into several strata were observed, and the number of strata and boundaries between the strata could not be objectively determined. On the other hand, forest stands could be stratified into several strata not subjectively but objectively with DAM. However, it could not be judged with DAM whether a forest stand is composed of one stratum or two strata, whereas this was possible with SDM. From these results, it cannot be concluded which method is superior to the other since they have different advantages and disadvantages. It is therefore considered important to choose the appropriate method or to combine the two methods depending on the purpose of analysis.
