Question

Read the following statements on methods of point sampling in forestry and choose the correct answer from the below given two options.
Statement (I): Horizontal point sampling (HPS) measures mean stand height which is developed by Bitterlich
Statement (II): Vertical point sampling measures basal area per ha which is developed by Japanese forester Hirata
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Only statement (I) is correct and statement (II) is incorrect
• B. Only statement (II) is correct and statement (I) is incorrect
• C. Both the statements (I) and (II) are correct
• D. Both the statements (I) and (II) are incorrect

Hint:

To avoid confusion, associate:
- Horizontal Point Sampling (Bitterlich) \(\rightarrow\) Basal Area.
- Vertical Point Sampling (Hirata) \(\rightarrow\) Stand Height.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Point sampling is a method of forest inventory that uses angle-gauges or prisms to estimate stand parameters without measuring the actual area of the plot.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements based on forest mensuration principles:
1. Horizontal Point Sampling (HPS): Developed by Walter Bitterlich in 1948.
It uses a horizontal angle to project virtual plots to estimate the basal area per hectare of the forest stand, not the mean stand height.
Thus, Statement (I) is incorrect because it claims HPS measures mean stand height.
2. Vertical Point Sampling (VPS): Developed by Japanese forester T. Hirata in 1955.
It uses vertical angles to project cones to estimate the mean stand height or total height per unit area, not the basal area.
Thus, Statement (II) is incorrect because it claims VPS measures basal area.
Both definitions have been swapped in the statements.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.