2021 Volume 36 Issue 1 Article ID: 36.13
The present study proposes a selection method for logging systems suitable for a specific terrain that uses conventional factors such as average slope and relief as well as a contour roundabout factor, which indicates the degree of complexity of the terrain surface. This selection method was applied to six watersheds in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. The aim was to assess the feasibility of the method and predict forestry infrastructure in the area by comparing the results with actual forest road networks and existing forest machinery in the watersheds. Topographic data were expressed through digital elevation model with a mesh resolution of 10 m. Topographic factors for evaluation were calculated using an open-source geographic information systems software, which also selected appropriate logging systems for each mesh. The results that were obtained almost mimicked the actual situations, particularly in the middle and eastern watersheds. However, the findings for the two western watersheds exhibited lower rates of medium- and small-sized machines, which are suitable for winching and/or small-sized cable systems, than those actually present. These findings indicate that although the dominant terrain in Kochi Prefecture would favor middle- and large sized cable systems such as tower yarders, actual operation systems may differ from the inferred results owing to the recently completed forest road networks and existing forest machinery in the corresponding areas.
