Geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool for the optimization of timber harvesting in mountain regions forests

ArcGIS software was used for timber harvesting planning in five (5) different mountainous broadleaf forest areas from Basilicata region, located in South Italy.Orographic characteristics, such as slope, watershed systems features and other natural obstacles were considered. Data for timber volume predictions were based on local forest management plans and also on a pilot field inventory. The different manual and mechanical timber extraction and concentration methods used by local timber companies were also considered. The different typologies of roads network to access forests were also introduced in the models.The analysis allowed identifying forest areas with different accessibilities and orographic restrictions, the planning of additional roads necessary for timber extraction optimization, as well as optimized site-by-site timber extraction methods and periodic cutting intensities. This methodological approach should be tested in other mountainous forest regions.