What is commonly measured using a hypsometer in forestry?

A hypsometer is specifically designed to measure the height of trees. This tool uses principles of trigonometry to calculate the vertical distance from the ground to the top of the tree based on angles measured from a set distance. Accurately determining tree height is essential in forestry for various purposes, such as timber volume estimation, forest management, and ecological assessments.

Tree age is typically determined using methods like ring counting from a cross-section of the trunk, while tree species identification relies on observable characteristics such as leaf shape and bark texture. Tree biomass, which reflects the amount of organic material, usually requires more complex calculations and measurements rather than simple height readings. Hence, the most direct and common use of a hypsometer is for measuring tree height.