Abstract: A method and system for calculating a digital terrain model (DIM) for a target portion of the surface of the Earth. A digital elevation model (DEM) for the target portion specifies an elevation for target points on the Earth within the portion. A digital surface model (DSM) specifies the elevation above the target point of an obstructing surface. Elevation errors in the DEM are corrected. A curvature correction is done using the DSM. A model is calibrated using reference points using statistical techniques or machine learning. A model using reference points for predicting the amount of local elevation correction needed at each target point as a function of terrain curvature is employed. The models are applied at each target point of the DEM to produce the DTM.

Abstract: A forest-inventory management apparatus is for a forest image having forest information associated with a forest. The forest image is acquired from an in-flight vehicle. The forest-inventory management apparatus includes a server system. The server system includes a processor assembly and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium configured to tangibly store a processor-executable programmed code. The processor-executable programmed code is configured to urge the processor assembly to execute the following operations: (A) read data representing the forest image having the forest information associated with the forest; (B) compute data representing a supply of forest inventory of hardwood and softwood trees expected to be available for harvesting based on the forest information associated with in the forest image; and (C) provide the data representing the supply of forest inventory expected to be available for harvesting from the forest associated with the forest image.

Abstract: A forest-inventory management apparatus is for a forest image having forest information associated with a forest. The forest image is acquired from an in-flight vehicle. The forest-inventory management apparatus includes a server system. The server system includes a processor assembly and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium configured to tangibly store a processor-executable programmed code. The processor-executable programmed code is configured to urge the processor assembly to execute the following operations: (A) read data representing the forest image having the forest information associated with the forest; (B) compute data representing a supply of forest inventory of hardwood and softwood trees expected to be available for harvesting based on the forest information associated with in the forest image; and (C) provide the data representing the supply of forest inventory expected to be available for harvesting from the forest associated with the forest image.