Student:	Fatih SİVRİKAYA
Supervisor:	Prof.Dr. Selahattin KÖSE
Department:	Orman Mühendisliği
Institution:	Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences
University:	Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey

Title of the Thesis:	Developing and Implementing a Contemporary Forest Management Planning Model
Level:	Ph.D.
Acceptance Date:	13/8/2008
Number of Pages:	187
Registration Number:	Di654

Summary:

Advances in information technologies, development of forest management planning

approaches and expansion of information pool about forest ecosystems highlighted the need

for modern planning approaches for managing forests ecosystems. In this process, spatial

information technologies and decision support systems have appeared to be the important

tools. However, Turkish forestry has not effectively utilized the power of information

technologies and decision support tools in forest management and focused only on a simple

use of some computers to list and table some of the known operations. As such, it become

necessary to develop a forest management decision support model based on the development

(CBS) and advance computer programming techniques.

This study aims to develop a forest management planning software enabling to embrace

the features of contemporary forest management planning guidelines. The GIS compatible

model can easily compile the sampling data from field inventory and map the results of plan

(forest stratification, age class and site maps etc.). Harvest scheduling is conducted according

to even-age and uneven-age planning methods. The reporting module of the model documents

outputs as maps, graphics, tables and tabular forms. The prototype software was designed and

developed in Turkish language with understandable, easy to use, and user friendly manner.

The prevailing advantages of the developed planning model software can be highlighted

as followings. The planning model is developed using object oriented programming language,

Delphi. The model included the design and installation of data base concerning the ETÇAP

planning approach. Forest management field information was automated. The sample data was

assessed different from conventional sample data compilation procedure to accommodate site

data along with stand information. Planning process included GIS based mapping, querying

and analyzing. The result of the application of plans is also evaluated in order to facilitate and

increase the efficiency of audits of plans. Plan outputs like graphics, texts, tables and maps are

attained automatically. As a result, the developed planning model has contributed to the forest

management process with the help of modern information technologies enabling the process to

be faster, sound and timely using relatively less amount of time and labor. This planning

model can be used in the implementation of contemporary forest management planning

process, scientific undervalues and forestry education.

Key Words: Software Development, Forest Management Plan, GIS, Ecosystem Based Multiple

Use Forest Management, Modeling, Programming