Curvature of Logs—Development of and Comparison between Different Calculation Approaches

Abstract

In the field of electronic roundwood measurement, 3D-laser systems are becoming more and more important for the determination of log volume and quality. Especially the outer shape of the logs is of particular importance for the yield and should therefore be described in as much detail as possible. This study focuses on the parameter curvature and compares five different approaches to quantify the sweep of logs based on high-resolution 360°-scans of 269 debarked logs of the species spruce, oak and pine. We observed strong differences between the approaches, including the two variants that are currently approved in German sawmills. Due to our findings, we suggest the introduction of a method that is based on a calculated centerline through the log instead of considering the outer log contour for future German log grading.