Assessment of the paths based on timber outflow volumes: Using the example of the Schwarzburg mining district in Thuringia

Cost-saving measures in road construction and maintenance are a much-discussed topic in forestry administrations. However, a well-developed and equally well-maintained road system in the forest districts is an absolute necessity for the smooth transport of timber. This work uses the example of the Schwarzburg district (Gehren Forest Office) to analyze the road system there. The existing forest access is examined in several work processes. An investigation of the accessed area is carried out using differently generated buffers. Using a development buffer, a road analysis is then carried out using the “Network Analyst” extension tool available in ArcGIS in order to virtually transport the timber stocks used over the next ten years along the roads to the nearest connection points of the public transport network. The results of the analysis are presented graphically in two maps.