Wedge prism as a tool for diameter and distance measurement

Abstract

The wedge prism, which is generally used for the measurement of basal area in diameter at breast height, is also a tool for the measurement of distance as well as for the measurement of diameters at a certain height of the stem, in the upper stem. Measurements using the wedge prism are based on the same principle as measurements using Bitterlich mirror relascope. This method is appropriate for non-destructive determination of stem volume. Moreover, the wedge prism can be used for the sorting of logs in standing trees when the small end of expectant assortment has to be known. As the wedge prism is a common tool for foresters, its usage seems to be larger than only the measurement of basal area.

Keywords

• wedge prism
• upper stem diameter measurement
• distance measurement
• log sorting