What is commonly measured using a hypsometer in forestry?

The hypsometer is an instrument specifically designed for measuring the height of trees. It operates on principles of trigonometry and allows foresters and researchers to estimate the height of a tree from a distance without the need for physical measurement. This measurement is crucial in forestry for various reasons, including assessing tree growth, determining timber volume, and managing forest resources effectively.

Tree age is typically determined through methods like counting tree rings, while tree species identification usually requires visual assessment of leaves, bark, and other characteristics. Tree biomass, on the other hand, involves calculations that consider both the height and diameter of a tree as well as wood density to estimate the total mass of the tree or forest stand. Each of these aspects, while important in forestry, relies on different tools and methods rather than a hypsometer.