%0 Research article
%T Comparison of human and computer-based selective cleaning
%A Vestlund, Karin
%A Nordfjell, Tomas
%A Eliasson, Lars
%D 2005
%J Silva Fennica
%V 39
%N 4
%R doi:10.14214/sf.363
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/363
%X In silvicultural tending operations like cleaning (pre-commercial  thinning), the results are irreversible, so it is important for the  decisions to be consistent with the aims for the stand. To enable  operational automatic stem selections, a decision support system (DSS)  is needed. A previously presented DSS seems to render acceptable  cleaning results, but needs further analysis. The aims of the study were  to compare the cleaning results of experienced cleaners and DSS  simulations when “similar” instructions were given, and to assess the  usefulness and robustness of the DSS. Twelve experienced cleaners were  engaged to “clean” (mark main stems) six areas; each cleaner “cleaned”  two areas. The DSS was used to generate two computer-based cleanings  (simulations) of these areas. Four laymen also “cleaned” one of the  areas following the DSS. The density results were significantly affected  by the areas’ location, whereas the proportions of deciduous stems and  damaged stems were significantly affected by both the areas’ location  and method, i.e. manual “cleaning” and general or adjusted simulation.  The study showed that the DSS can be adjusted so that the results are  comparable with the cleaners’ results. Thus, the DSS seems to be useful  and flexible. The laymen’s results were close to the results of the  “general” simulation, implying that the DSS is robust and could be used  as a training tool for inexperienced cleaners. The DSS was also  acceptable on a single-tree level, as more than 80% of the main-stems  selected in the simulations were also selected by at least one cleaner.