Innovative approaches in mapping and assessing the structure and texture of mountain forest stands in Low Tatras.

The work addresses the thematic mapping and assessments of the forest stand structures based on a combination of remote sensing and terrestrial methods using geographic information systems (GIS). Building on our previous research, we present the results on thematic mapping of the sets of stand types in the model area Lomnista Valley in the Low Tatras (1 623 ha), structural types and elements, classification of structure and ecological stability of mountain forests in the localities Konštiaky, Široky uplaz, Martaluzka - Byčiarky in the Low Tatras covering 270 ha. In the locality Medvedia uboč in Lomnista Valley with the communities of natural forests in the fir-beach altitudinal vegetation zone, the innovative methods of thematic mapping of stand structure types and segments, based on RS, GIS, segmentation methods and mobile technologies, are presented. Stand texture types, elements and segments were identified, localized and partially classified on orthorectified digital multispectral aerial scenes combined with SPOT satellite scene. Historical aerial panchromatic images from the years 1949, 1971 and 1992 were used for interpretation of tendencies and trends in different types of stand textures. Spatial classification was established on the method of image segmentation. In the field, the total 98 segments at higher level covering 63 ha were localized and characterized in detail. A detailed descriptive system of the habitat, conservation, species, spatial and age structure of the segments was used. Research plots, detailed biometrically measured by FieldMap technology, were used as training plots for classification with RS data and as the calibration objects in a spatial description of the segments in the field. The presented approaches were verified in several model localities with the possibility of generalization for the entire range of forest communities in Slovakia. A multimedia system with records from the interior and exterior of typical stand structures and textures has been als o implemented.