ABSTRACT
The relative height method allows the characterization of stem profile without meeding sample trees to upper diameter measurements. The analytical geometry is applied on the diameter taken on 0,3 meters and on hr = (h-2)/2, as well as dbh and total height (h), making possible the measurement of these variables, simultaneously, with others measured on the permanent sampling in forest inventory. This study evaluated some alternatives in characterizing the stem profile by using analytical geometry, comparing it to the original method according Andrade (2001). It was concluded that the use of relative diameters to dbh showed better results in regression analysis to generate straight line angular coefficient. Also, to obtain better accuracy, it is more adequate to implement the relative height method using all trees inside the inventory sample unit.
Keywords:
regression analysis; stem analysis; relative height method