TY - JOUR AU - Maarten Nieuwenhuis AU - Frances McHugh PY - 1999/11/01 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - A preliminary investigation of the operational use of a laser dendrometer for tree height measurement. JF - Irish Forestry JA - IF VL - IS - SE - Articles DO - UR - https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/9893 AB - The accuracy of tree height measurements using a laser dendrometer and a Suunto clinometer were compared for a small sample of eight Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) trees between 20 and 25 m in height. Measurements were taken at 15 and 30 m from the tree, and these were compared to the actual tree height measured after felling. Both the laser dendrometer and the Suunto produced estimates significantly lower than the actual height for measurements taken at 15 m from the tree, but at 30 m distance the actual and estimated heights (using both instruments) were not significantly different. Given the comparably high accuracy of the laser dendrometer and the traditional instrument, the gain in productivity from using the former which results from their being able to be used at any distance from the tree (without the need for a tape or range finder), as long as the tip and foot of the tree are in view, is a strong argument for recommending their use. However, further testing over a wider range of tree heights and species should be carried out. ER -