A comparison of two techniques for estimating tree canopy volume

A comparison was made between two tree canopy volume estimation techniques by using data collected in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The methods were Biomass Estimates from Canopy Volume (BECVOL) and Arbour Structure (ARBORSTRUQ). B oth these methods depend on the mathematical calculation of the volume of g eometric shapes, using associated computer programs. The methods were compa red on the basis of ease of implementation and similarity of results. Field data were read into both computer programs in order to calculate canopy vo lumes derived for 13 sample plots. The results were then subjected to an an alysis of variance test (ANOVA), which showed no significant difference bet ween the methods when calculating the total canopy volume. However, there w as a significant difference in partial canopy volume estimation up to a 2 m browse level due to the different mathematical models used for the volume calculations. In ease of application, the ARBORSTRUQ is more user friendly, whereas the BECVOL one is a more comprehensive package.