Artificial neural networks and regression analysis for volume estimation in native species

ABSTRACT Modeling is an important tool to estimate forest production in planted areas. Although this issue has been studied worldwide, knowledge regarding volume measurement in specific locations such as Northeast Brazil is still scarce. The present study aimed to evaluated the effectiveness of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and regression analysis in estimating the timber volume of homogeneous stands of Anadantera macrocarpa, Genipa americana, and Mimosa casalpinifolia, in order to better predict the growth and production of these species. Both methods were suitable for estimating the individual volume in 7-year-old stands with different spacing. The Spurr regression model showed better statistical results and dispersion of unbiased errors for Anadantera macrocarpa and Genipa americana, whereas the Shumacher-Hall model provided more accurate volume estimates for Mimosa caesalpinifolia. The ANNs calibrated with two neurons in the middle layer exhibited the best fit for all three species. As such, artificial neural networks can be recommended to estimate the individual volumes of the species analyzed in the study area.