GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) MODELLING IN FOREST INVENTORY AND MANAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

The crucial role that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) modelling plays in forest inventory
and management is examined in this systematic study, with a focus on the theoretical
underpinnings, conceptual underpinnings, and real-world applications of GIS. The management
and inventory of forests are essential elements of sustainable forestry, and GIS offers creative
ways to improve these procedures by adding spatial data for better decision-making. GIS's
development as a tool for gathering, evaluating, and managing forest data is critically examined
in the review, which also emphasises how it integrates other methods used in forest inventories,
including remote sensing, tree measuring, and forest composition analysis.The paper highlights
the significance of spatial data in supporting precise evaluations of forest resources and
demonstrates the tight connection between GIS and forest inventory approaches. Through an
examination of several GIS modelling approaches, including terrain modelling, spatial analysis,
and predictive modelling, the article explores how GIS helps forest managers monitor species
distribution, growth rates, environmental changes, and forest health. This ultimately leads to
more effective resource management, which includes biodiversity preservation, conservation,
and harvesting.The review delves into the role of GIS modeling in forest inventory and
management, examining its theoretical frameworks, conceptual underpinnings, and practical
applications. It also critically examines the interrelationships between GIS and forest inventory
and forest management, highlighting the ways in which spatial data contributes to sustainable
forestry practices. The findings suggest that GIS modeling significantly improves the accuracy
and efficiency of inventories and aids in the effective management of forest resources. Finally,
recommendations for future research and practical implementation are discussed to encourage
further integration of GIS technologies in forest sciences.