Basic field measurement from randomly located plots that are used to quantify urban forest structure include species, diameter, crown dimensions, and crown condition. Plot results using these data are then statistically extrapolated upward to estimate totals and standard errors for the entire study area or strata (e.g., land-use types) within the study area.
A one page Eco data explanation brief is available for sample based Eco projects at the following link - http://www.itreetools.org/eco/resources ... ations.pdf Complete inventory projects would require tree variables but not need plot, shrub & ground cover related data.
For more details on the model methodology and limitations, see the following documents in the Resource - Archives section of the i-Tree website under Eco/UFORE Resources
- 1. UFORE Methods Paper (http://www.itreetools.org/eco/resources ... ethods.pdf)
2. A Ground-Based Method for Assessing Urban Forest Structure and Ecosystem Services http://www.itreetools.org/eco/resources/08%20UFORE.pdf