Skip to content

Yield Summary Tool

Table of Contents


Overview

The Yield Summary tool provides comprehensive forest yield analysis by allowing you to select or draw areas of interest and analyze harvest yield data. This powerful tool helps foresters evaluate timber volumes, analyze yield patterns, and generate detailed reports for harvest planning and forest management.

Location: Analysis Panels → Report → Yield Summary

Key Capabilities:

  • Select or draw analysis areas on the map
  • Analyze yield data for polygon features
  • Filter results by field attributes (age, type, etc.)
  • Summary modes: individual features or grouped by coupe
  • Interactive yield tables with detailed attributes
  • Related feature analysis and correlation
  • Export results to CSV format
  • Dual table display for comprehensive analysis

Example Use Cases:

  • Estimating timber volumes for harvest planning
  • Analyzing yield by age class or forest type
  • Evaluating cutting permit areas for volume projections
  • Comparing yields across different coupes
  • Generating yield reports for forest management plans

When to Use This Tool

Ideal Scenarios

Harvest Planning:

  • Estimating timber volumes before operations
  • Comparing yields across different areas
  • Planning harvest sequences based on yields
  • Volume projections for operational planning

Forest Management:

  • Age class yield analysis
  • Forest type productivity comparison
  • Stand-level yield assessment
  • Long-term harvest scheduling

Reporting Requirements:

  • Generating yield summaries for management plans
  • Documenting volume estimates
  • Creating harvest projections
  • Supporting AAC (Annual Allowable Cut) calculations

Analytical Studies:

  • Yield curve development
  • Growth and yield modeling validation
  • Comparing actual vs. predicted yields
  • Regional yield pattern analysis
  • Individual tree cruising (use field measurement methods)
  • Precise volume scaling (use post-harvest measurements)
  • Financial valuations (use appraisal tools)
  • Real-time harvest tracking (use production monitoring systems)

How to Use the Tool

Step 1: Select Target Layer

Click the Layers dropdown to choose the polygon layer for analysis:

  • Lists all visible polygon layers currently on the map
  • Only layers with geometry type "polygon" appear
  • Click dropdown to refresh layer list
  • First available layer selected by default

Layer Requirements:

  • Must be a polygon feature layer
  • Layer must be visible on the map
  • Should contain yield-related attribute data

If no layers appear, ensure you have polygon layers loaded and visible.

Step 2: Define Analysis Area

You have two methods to define your area of interest:

Method 1: Select Existing Feature

Click the Select Shape button (selector icon):

  • Button shows active state when selection mode is on
  • Click button to toggle selection mode on/off
  • When active, click any feature from your selected layer on the map
  • Selected feature highlights with blue fill
  • Can select different feature by clicking again
  • Only features from the selected layer can be picked

Selection Tips:

  • Zoom to your area of interest first
  • Click near feature center for best results
  • Selection highlights with semi-transparent blue

Method 2: Draw Custom Polygon

Click the Draw Shape button (polygon icon):

  • Button shows active state when drawing mode is on
  • Click button to toggle drawing mode on/off
  • When active, click on map to add vertices
  • Continue clicking to define polygon boundary
  • Double-click to complete the polygon
  • Drawn graphic appears with blue symbol

Drawing Tips:

  • Start by clicking first vertex
  • Continue around desired area
  • Double-click to finish
  • Drawing automatically deactivates when complete

Important: Select or draw before proceeding to summary. The analysis uses this geometry to intersect with the Yield layer.

Step 3: Run Initial Summary

Choose your summary mode by clicking one of the analysis buttons:

Summary Individually

Click the Summary Individually button (selection icon):

  • Analyzes each intersecting feature separately
  • Creates individual records for each yield polygon
  • Maintains feature-level detail
  • Best for detailed feature-by-feature analysis
  • Calculated area shows intersection size for each feature

Summary and Union

Click the Summary and Union button (selection-filter icon):

  • Groups features by COUPE attribute
  • Combines (unions) features with same coupe value
  • Creates merged polygons and aggregated attributes
  • Best for coupe-level summaries
  • Calculated area shows total for each coupe

Which to Use:

  • Individual: When you need feature-level detail
  • Union: When you want coupe totals and simplified results

Step 4: Review Yield Summary Table

After running summary, the bottom panel opens with the Yield Feature Set table:

Table Contents:

  • All intersecting features from the Yield layer
  • Calculated area for each feature (in hectares)
  • Complete attribute data (COUPE, YID, AGE, etc.)
  • Sortable and browsable

Table Interaction:

  • Select Rows: Click rows to select features (Ctrl-click for multiple)
  • Sorting: Click column headers to sort
  • Review: Examine attributes and calculated areas

Key Action: When you select rows in this table, the related Yield Table automatically updates to show corresponding related records.

Once yield summary data is loaded, you can filter the related yield table:

Select Filter Field

A field dropdown appears showing available fields:

  • Lists fields from the related yield data
  • Common fields: AGE, forest type, stand attributes
  • Select the field you want to filter by

Enter Filter Value

An input field appears below the dropdown:

  • Enter the value to filter on
  • Value type depends on field type (number or text)
  • Must exactly match attribute values

Apply Filter

Click the Filter button (layer-filter icon):

  • Filters the Yield Table to show only matching records
  • Updates table display immediately
  • Filtered results still support row selection

Reset Filter

Click the Reset button (reset icon) next to the filter:

  • Removes filter criteria
  • Restores all related yield records
  • Returns to full dataset view

Step 6: Export Results

Click the Export CSV button (file-csv icon):

  • Exports both Yield Feature Set and Related Feature Set
  • Creates single CSV file with both datasets
  • Headers identify each section
  • Downloads as "YieldSummary.csv"
  • Includes only selected rows from Yield Feature Set

Export Contents:

  1. Yield Feature Set section (selected rows)
  2. Related Feature Set section (corresponding related features)
  3. All attribute fields except ID

Step 7: Reset Analysis

Click the Reset button (reset icon) in the main control row:

  • Clears all graphics from map
  • Removes analysis layers
  • Clears filter values
  • Deactivates selection and drawing modes
  • Resets panel to initial state

Understanding the Results

Yield Feature Set Table

Location: Bottom panel, first tab

Purpose: Shows direct intersection results between your drawn/selected area and the Yield layer

Key Columns:

  • CALCULATED_AREA: Area of intersection in hectares
  • COUPE: Cutting permit area identifier
  • YID: Yield identifier (links to related features)
  • Additional yield attributes (age, type, volume estimates, etc.)

Interpretation:

  • Each row represents one intersecting yield polygon (Individual mode)
  • Or one merged coupe polygon (Union mode)
  • CALCULATED_AREA shows intersection size, not full polygon size
  • YID may contain multiple values separated by "/" (Union mode)

Location: Bottom panel, second section (appears after row selection)

Purpose: Shows detailed yield records related to selected features

How It Works:

  1. Select rows in Yield Feature Set table
  2. System extracts YID values from selected rows
  3. Queries Yield layer for features matching those YIDs
  4. Displays related records in Yield Table

Key Columns:

  • Detailed yield attributes
  • Growth parameters
  • Volume estimates
  • Stand characteristics
  • Age class information

Interpretation:

  • Provides deeper detail than summary table
  • Shows full yield record attributes
  • Useful for detailed analysis
  • Supports further filtering

Filter Results

When filtering is applied:

Field Selection:

  • Choose attribute to filter (e.g., AGE)
  • Only numeric and text fields are valid

Value Matching:

  • Filter uses exact match (equals)
  • Case-sensitive for text fields
  • Must match attribute values exactly

Filtered Display:

  • Yield Table shows only matching records
  • Yield Feature Set table unchanged
  • Selection still active
  • Reset to clear filter

Summary Modes Comparison

AspectIndividualUnion
GroupingNone - each feature separateGrouped by COUPE
GeometryOriginal intersected polygonsMerged polygons per coupe
CALCULATED_AREAIndividual feature areasCombined area per coupe
YID ValuesSingle YID per rowMultiple YIDs separated by "/"
Detail LevelHigh - feature-by-featureLower - summarized by coupe
Best ForDetailed spatial analysisCoupe-level volume summaries

Working with Results

Table Interaction

Selecting Features:

  • Click rows to select (highlights in blue)
  • Ctrl-click to select multiple rows
  • Shift-click to select range
  • Selected rows trigger Yield Table update

Sorting Data:

  • Click column header to sort ascending
  • Click again for descending
  • Useful for finding highest/lowest values
  • Sort by CALCULATED_AREA to see largest intersections

Reviewing Attributes:

  • Scroll horizontally to see all columns
  • Hover over cells for full values
  • Use column headers to identify fields
  • Review YID for tracking purposes

Analysis Workflows

Single Feature Analysis:

  1. Select or draw area around one feature
  2. Run Summary Individually
  3. Review calculated area and attributes
  4. Select row to see related yield details
  5. Export for documentation

Multi-Feature Analysis:

  1. Draw polygon covering multiple features
  2. Run Summary Individually for detail
  3. Sort by CALCULATED_AREA or other attribute
  4. Select multiple rows for related data
  5. Apply filters to refine results

Coupe-Level Summary:

  1. Select or draw area covering multiple coupes
  2. Run Summary and Union
  3. Review merged coupe totals
  4. Export aggregated results
  5. Use for harvest planning

Age Class Analysis:

  1. Run initial summary (either mode)
  2. Select rows in Yield Feature Set
  3. Use filter dropdown to select AGE field
  4. Enter specific age value
  5. Filtered Yield Table shows only that age class

Export Workflows

Standard Export:

  1. Run analysis
  2. Select relevant rows in Yield Feature Set
  3. Click Export CSV button
  4. Open CSV in spreadsheet software
  5. Perform additional calculations or charting

Filtered Export:

  1. Run analysis and select rows
  2. Apply filter to Yield Table
  3. Export captures filtered related features
  4. CSV shows only filtered subset
  5. Useful for specific attribute analysis

Comparison Export:

  1. Run multiple analyses (different areas)
  2. Export each to separate CSV
  3. Compare results in spreadsheet
  4. Identify yield differences
  5. Support decision-making

Best Practices

Layer Selection

Choose Appropriate Layer:

  • Select layer with yield data attributes
  • Ensure layer coverage matches analysis area
  • Verify layer is current and up-to-date
  • Check layer visibility before starting

Layer Preparation:

  • Add required layers before opening panel
  • Turn on layer visibility
  • Zoom to area of interest
  • Verify attribute table has expected fields

Area Definition

Selection Method:

  • Use when exact feature boundaries needed
  • Faster than drawing
  • Ensures complete feature analysis
  • Best for single feature or coupe

Drawing Method:

  • Use for custom boundary analysis
  • Cross multiple features
  • Irregular areas of interest
  • Flexible for exploratory analysis

Drawing Tips:

  • Zoom in for precise vertex placement
  • Use fewer vertices for smoother polygons
  • Consider operational boundaries
  • Double-check coverage before summary

Analysis Strategy

Exploratory Analysis:

  1. Start with Individual summary for detail
  2. Review all intersecting features
  3. Identify patterns or anomalies
  4. Re-run with Union for totals if needed

Reporting Analysis:

  1. Use Union for cleaner coupe-level results
  2. Export for inclusion in reports
  3. Document parameters used
  4. Archive results for future reference

Comparative Analysis:

  1. Run analysis for multiple areas
  2. Keep track of parameters
  3. Export each result separately
  4. Compare calculated areas and yields

Data Quality

Verify Results:

  • Check that CALCULATED_AREA is reasonable
  • Confirm YID values are valid
  • Review related feature counts
  • Cross-reference with map display

Attribute Validation:

  • Spot-check attribute values
  • Ensure field names match expectations
  • Verify numeric fields are numbers
  • Check for missing or null values

Troubleshooting

Common Error Messages

"No graphic layer found - Please draw a polygon first"

  • Cause: Attempting to run summary without defining analysis area
  • Solution: Use Select Shape or Draw Shape to define area before clicking summary buttons

"No Yield layer found - Please add the Yield layer first"

  • Cause: Yield layer not found in map
  • Solution:
    • Add the Yield layer to your map
    • Ensure layer is named correctly
    • Check layer visibility
    • Refresh map if layer was just added

"No Features layers found"

  • Cause: No polygon layers available for selection
  • Solution:
    • Add polygon feature layers to map
    • Make layers visible
    • Click Layers dropdown again to refresh

"Query Failed - Failed to load related yield data"

  • Cause: Error querying related features from Yield layer
  • Solution:
    • Check network connection
    • Verify Yield layer is accessible
    • Try running analysis again
    • Contact support if issue persists

"Analysis Error - Failed to analyze layer"

  • Cause: Error during spatial analysis operation
  • Solution:
    • Verify drawn/selected geometry is valid
    • Check Yield layer is properly loaded
    • Try simpler geometry (fewer vertices)
    • Refresh page and try again

Performance Issues

Slow Summary Processing:

  • Large areas with many intersections take longer
  • Complex polygons increase processing time
  • Solution: Use smaller analysis areas, simplify drawn geometry

Tables Not Appearing:

  • May indicate no intersecting features found
  • Check that analysis area overlaps Yield layer
  • Solution: Verify geometry placement, try different area

Related Features Not Loading:

  • May be network latency
  • Large related feature sets take time
  • Solution: Wait for loading to complete, avoid rapid row selections

Workflow Issues

Selection Not Working:

  • Selection mode may be inactive
  • Wrong layer may be selected
  • Solution: Click Select Shape button to activate, verify layer dropdown

Drawing Not Working:

  • Drawing mode may be inactive
  • Previous drawing still present
  • Solution: Click Draw Shape to activate, use Reset to clear previous

Can't Filter Yield Table:

  • Filter options only appear after running summary
  • Must select rows in Yield Feature Set first
  • Solution: Run summary, select rows, then filter

Export Has No Data:

  • Must select rows in Yield Feature Set before exporting
  • No related features loaded
  • Solution: Select rows in Yield Feature Set, verify related table loaded

Data Issues

Calculated Area Seems Wrong:

  • May be intersection area, not full feature area
  • Units are in hectares
  • Solution: Verify geometry overlaps features correctly

Missing YID Values:

  • Some features may not have yield data assigned
  • Solution: Check source data, contact data administrator

Duplicate Features in Results:

  • May occur if Union mode used with varied COUPE values
  • Solution: Verify COUPE attributes are consistent, use Individual mode for detail

Getting Help

When contacting support, please provide:

  1. Analysis Parameters:

    • Selected layer name
    • Summary mode used (Individual vs. Union)
    • Filter settings (if applicable)
    • Screenshot of selections
  2. Error Details:

    • Exact error message
    • Steps taken before error
    • Whether geometry was drawn or selected
  3. Geometry Information:

    • Size and complexity of analysis area
    • Number of expected intersecting features
    • Screenshot of map with geometry
  4. System Information:

    • Browser type and version
    • Horizon version
    • Date and time of analysis

Horizon Help Documentation