Development of a GIS-based decision-support system of forest resource management

Based on forest inventory data and a variety of spatial data layers, including topographic maps, forest type maps, forest themes, etc., a multilevel decision-support system (DSS) for forest resource management was developed for Shangzhi National Forestry Bureau, Heilongjiang Province, China. This paper induced the procedure of the DSS development and its main functions, including displaying, cartography, dual-comprehensive querying of spatial and attribute data, GPS positioning, statistical analysis, updating resource data, etc. The applications of the DSS in resources analysis and management proved effective both in forestry bureau and forest farm levels. Traditional approaches of forest resource management were accordingly updated and the digitization of forest management was realized in deed for state-owned forest industries. The system provides a basis for rational forest management towards sustainable forestry by means of stratified management.