Visual Simulation of Quantitative Thinning in a Chinese Fir Plantation Based on Workflow Foundation

We established a visual simulation technique for quantitative thinning to improve the thinning supervision level. Five quantitative indices were selected as the factors for removing trees. A decision-making model was established and was used to quantify the probability that a tree is selected to be removed. First, a manager-oriented visual workflow was designed and nine graphic self-defined activities were developed. Second, a decision-making visualization model for removed trees and a visualization model of quantitative thinning processes were constructed using human-computer interaction. Third, quantitative thinning processes were implemented by adding workflow tracking services for selfdefined activities and defining a workflow engine. Furthermore, we achieved visual simulation of stand structure, stand status in two dimensions, and stand scene in three dimensions before and after thinning. Visual simulation of quantitative thinning was achieved and tested on a Chinese fir plantation. The results showed that the removed trees could be selected quantitatively and that stand structure could be optimized and adjusted, and that the visual simulation techniques made the quantitative thinning process and effects manager-oriented with robust interactivity, operability, and visualization. This method can be used in the actual thinning production and provide the technical references for other management measures.