Interpretation of forest characteristics from computer-generated images

Alterations to the standard image were made for three of the forest plots, including alterations for the area depicted, the incorporation of under-story vegetation and fallen trees, the addition of a truck, and regular and clumpy individual tree spacing. Image alterations did affect some mean responses for tree size, density, fire hazard, vertical stratification, and forest age. Results show managers and planners may need to exercise caution and supplement images with additional information to avoid miscommunication about the nature of current and projected forest landscapes.