| Using Expert Systems, a product of Artificial Intelligence research, a decision support system for timber harvesting leads a forester through a series of questions to arrive at a determination of harvesting viability. The program, X-Harvester, was written in a development package, EXSYS Professional. The system is divided into modules, accessed independently through a menu program.; Machine cost models in separate spreadsheets evaluate individual harvesting machines using several common methods. The harvesting system module builds specific harvesting systems from individual machines. Operating and labor costs are included in the analysis.; The log prices and value, and stumpage modules use price information stored in data frame files to calculate the income from timber sales of and the cost of stumpage purchases. Calculations are made by species and product. A user can update price and stumpage information by editing the data files.; The financial viability module uses information from other modules in its evaluation process. The user can compute costs for the entire system as a whole, or for each machine in the system on an individual basis. Costs can also be input on a daily or per hour basis. Miscellaneous costs, such as road building, overhead or transportation can also be included.; A cutting regulations module evaluates the operation for compliance with the Maine timber and land use laws. The user may also evaluate the site for physical operability and suitability of soils for forest regeneration.; Alternative problem solving approaches and Artificial Intelligence methods are discussed. A sample run of the program and a printout of the program modules are also included.; X-Harvester has been designed to allow modifications reflecting specific needs and objectives of land holding companies or agencies. The framework of the system provides a useful foundation to assist land managers in making timber harvesting decisions. |
