Open AccessGNSS-based operational monitoring devices for forest logging operation chains
Author(s) -
Raimondo Gallo,
Stefano Grigolato,
Raffaele Cavalli,
Fabrizio Mazzetto
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of agricultural engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2239-6268
pISSN - 1974-7071
DOI - 10.4081/jae.2013.s2.e27
Subject(s) - gnss applications , computer science , logging , satellite system , data logger , satellite , real time computing , global positioning system , remote sensing , engineering , telecommunications , forestry , geography , operating system , aerospace engineering
The first results of a new approach for implementing operational monitoring tool to control the performance of forest mechanisation chains are proposed and discussed. The solution is based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tools that are the core of a datalogging system that, in combination with a specific inference-engine, is able to analyse process times, work distances, forward speeds, vehicle tracking and number of working cycles in forest operations. As a consequence the operational monitoring control methods could provide an evaluation of the efficiency of the investigated forest operations.\udThe study has monitored the performance of a tower yarder with crane and processor-head, during logging operations. The field surveys consisted on the installation of the GNSS device directly on the forest equipment for monitoring its movements. Simultaneously the field survey considered the integration of the GNSS information with a time study of work elements based on the continuous time methods supported by a time study board. Additionally, where possible, the onboard computer of the forest machine was also used in order to obtain additional information to be integrated to the GNSS data and the time study. All the recorded GNSS data integrated with the work elements study were thus post-processed through GIS analysis.\udThe preliminary overview about the application of this approach on harvesting operations has permitted to assess a good feasibility of the use of GNSS in the relief of operative times in high mechanised forest chains. Results showed an easy and complete identification of the different operative cycles and elementary operations phases, with a maximum difference between the two methodologies of 10.32%. The use of GNSS installed on forest equipment, integrated with the inferenceengineband also with an interface for data communication or data storage,bwill permit an automatic or semi-automatic operational monitoring,bimproving the quantity of data and reducing the engagement ofbthe surveyor