Simulation-based analysis of mechanized wood harvest operations

While forestry is an important economic factor, the common methods used to estimate potential financial gains from undertaking a harvest project in Germany are usually based on heuristics and experience. Experience-based estimation methods focus on utilizing a few general statistical parameters that define the harvest operation, employing an abstract view on wood harvesting. To improve the accuracy of felling cost estimates, we propose a novel, simulation-based system that utilizes concrete knowledge about the harvest project at hand to allow for a more specific and accurate estimate of felling costs. The simulation-system offers a wide range of parameterizations to the user, enabling them to model scenarios according to their requirements. In addition to gaining insights into the economic factors of wood harvesting operations, our approach enables us to extract detailed work statistics from the simulation results, providing detailed knowledge about the simulated felling process as well as its impact on the forest ecosystem.