Determination of the factors affecting the area calculation inforest plots; Investigation on forest plots in Köprübaşı district

In practice, the areas of forest parcels, like all other cadastral parcels, are calculated using the 3° UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) map projection system. UTM is a conformal map projection method that preserves shape but introduces distortions in length and area. These distortions become more pronounced, especially for large forest parcels. The areas of forest parcels are typically calculated on a map, which is a flat plane. However, when parcels are considered on the actual topography, factors such as the ellipsoid, geoid, and slope are known to affect the area calculations. In this study, the effects of map projection selection, ellipsoid, geoid, and slope on the area values of forest parcels on the map were examined. For this analysis, forest parcels with different areas within the boundaries of the Köprübaşı district in Trabzon were used. As a result, it has been concluded that the areas calculated using UTM and area-preserving projections do not adequately reflect the true area values. To achieve accurate area measurements, different methods and software need to be developed. The true area values are important for evaluating forest parcels for the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), cost-analysis studies, afforestation, and other forest applications. These area values, calculated on an ellipsoidal surface, are also significant not only for forestry work but also for agriculture and personal land management.