Abstract:

In this paper, we proposed an integrated approach combining the rule-based and case-based reasoning to express the complex relationship between tree growth and the environment. The determination of the judgment of the tree planting suitability, and the evaluation of the tree site quality are performed on the basis of rules and cases stored in the ontology-based knowledge base. Tree growth under different environment is simulated by means of the three-dimensional visualization technique, in which the parameters of tree growth are estimated by the site quality. Taking Shunchang forest farm in Pushang country of Fujian Cunninghamia lanceolata as an example, the accuracy of site index reaches 80%. The experimental results show that the proposed method can solve the complex relationship problem between tree growth and the environment. In addition, it provides a feasible method to predict the tree growth under different environment.

Key words: domain ontology, rule-based reasoning, case-based reasoning, growth simulation, visualization, Cunninghamia lanceolata