Individual-tree form growth models of visualization simulation for managed Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation

•This study proposes individual-tree form growth models of the Larix plantation.•Form growth models were applied in stand growth visualization.•The visualization is able to change the trees shape based on the form growth models.

This study proposes individual-tree form growth models of a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation from the growth and management perspective. These models are used to achieve a visualization simulation of the Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation and support decision analysis. The contour shape of the individual tree is disassembled by analyzing the whole shape structure of the individual tree without losing parameter information related to its growth. The individual tree is simplified into three geometries as follows: cone, cone frustum, and cylinder. The geometrical shape parameters are expressed as functions of the forest tree variables called form growth models. These models are developed and applied in stand growth visualization to simulate stand growth. All the models developed in this study demonstrate enhanced prediction effect.