Application of texture mapping to generate and communicate the visual impacts of partial retention systems in boreal forests

In this paper we describe the simulation and visualization of harvests over a 40 year period using large harvest units with a variable retention system where the amount and pattern of residual stems within the units is varied. We introduce the concept of texture mapping to control the spatial and temporal management of multiple stand strata within the bounds of a polygonal forest stand allowing for increased automation and flexibility of the visualization process without the need to modify the underlying data structure. This technique is demonstrated in a case study in north eastern British Columbia to show how the results can be used to address social concerns about large harvest units used in emulating natural disturbances. Our objective is to present a relatively fast and effective way to generate and communicate the visual impacts of complex harvesting patterns.