Forest Products Measurement Training

The Forest Products Measurements group provides training support for cruising, scaling, and volume estimation equations, processes, and software.

Quick Start Series

The following links are to online tutorials that must be viewed while connected to the Internet.

Basic File Management
This Quick Start Series gives the user the steps for moving files between the PC and a data recorder. Additionally, it provides tips on how best to store as well as backup cruise files.
Cruise Manager
The Cruise Manager Quick Start section is an introduction or reference to the program. Nine topics are available ranging from establishing a new cruise to creating and merging component files. Each topic provides step-by-step instructions as well as a demo video showing how to apply the steps.
Cruise Processing
The Cruise Processing section of the Quick Start Series is designed as an introduction or reference to the program. The user may select one of nine different topics to review. Each page contains the steps necessary for the topic selected. An optional video shows the steps performed in sequence. Additionally, the page may be printed for future reference.
FScruiser Mobile
This Quick Start module includes a variety of topics related to getting started with FScruiser Mobile on data recorders. It covers making backups, using cruiser initials, data entry for various cruise methods, tallying trees and other important topics.
FScuiser PC
FScruiser for the PC Quick Start module guides the user in the installation and entering of data. All cruise methods are covered for entering data on the PC from paper worksheets.
Scale Expansion
The Quick Start series for Scale Expansion covers several topics pertinent to the program. Instructions for setting up the program, creating a new contract, adding loads and generating reports are just some of the topics available. Video demonstrations accompany several of the topics including the section titled “Tips and Tricks”.
Volume Models Tutorial
This tutorial describes the various volume products, units of measure, merchandizing rules and the Direct Volume and Profile models. Additionally, it provides an overview of volume equations used in each Region. Finally, it shows the differences between cruise volumes and Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) volumes.

Computer-based Tutorials

The following are computer-based tutorials available for downloading to your desktop or laptop computer. Each has an installation script which automatically loads the necessary files for running the tutorial. It also places an icon on the desktop with the appropriate name for the tutorial.

Cruising

Basic Measurements Tutorial (.exe, 06-15-2020, 51M)
This tutorial covers basic measurements such as diameter and height measuring, various measuring tools and their use, defect identification, species identification, tree marking, and establishing plots. Several of these techniques are covered through movie demonstrations. The information in this tutorial is based on national handbook direction and does not cover regional supplements.
National Cruise System (.exe, 08-30-2011, 964K)

This training module is an online, self-paced introduction to the National Cruise System. It shows the interactivity between all of the programs included in the system as well as how the older programs interact with the new cruise object. The module provides descriptions of each program included in the National Cruise System, describing how each program interacts with the cruise object. The training module describes the cruise object and how data is stored within the cruise object.
Cruise Methods (.exe, 08-30-2011, 3.8M)

This training module is an online, self-paced introduction to the various cruise methods presented in the Timber Cruising Handbook. It details each method including application, procedures, sample selection, expansion calculations, and sample error calculations. It also provides exercises in the calculation of expansion factors and sample errors.
Basic Statistics Tutorial (.exe, 12-13-2022, 14M)

The Basic Statistics Tutorial contains seven sections: Introduction, Notation, Population, Sampling, Variability, Frequency and Distribution, and Stratification. In addition to the content in each section, a small example is included demonstrating the calculations as well as a "Try It" button for applying concepts to an actual timber exercise. A comprehensive exercise is also included for additional student practice.
Weight Factor Determination Tutorial (.exe, 08-30-2011, 1.5M)

Selling forest products by the ton differs from traditional log scaling. Reliable weight factors must be used in this situation. This tutorial covers techniques for determining weight factors and for conducting weight studies.

Cruising Software

Cruise Design (.exe, 12-13-2022, 24M)

The Cruise Design Program offers an interactive approach to cruise design. It allows a cruiser to examine different sampling methods across different populations in a relatively short period. This training module is a self-paced introduction to the Cruise Design program showing each section and showing how to use them. Optional exercises give the student the opportunity to test skill levels learned in the tutorial.
FScruiser (.exe, 08-30-2011, 26M)

This self-paced tutorial is an introduction to the FScruiser data entry program. FScruiser is the Windows/Windows CE successor to NatCDE, the MS-DOS based data entry program. FScruiser is a fully customizable, fast, stable, and easily-learned data entry program. It runs on many Windows CE field data recorders and PDRs. This tutorial covers all the major sections of the program and provides exercises in applying the concepts presented.
CruiseProcessing (.exe, 08-30-2011, 22M)

The CruiseProcessing program is the primary means of generating volumes, values, and/or weight for a timber cruise sale. With nearly 200 reports, CruiseProcessing offers a wide variety of ways to format cruise data into reports. The computer-based tutorial is a training tool and a handy reference for all components of CruiseProcessing. This module covers each section of the program in detail and provides the student with an extensive look into the workings of CruiseProcessing.
Timber Theft Program Tutorial (.exe, 08-30-2011, 4.7M)
The Timber Theft Program uses regression analysis to estimate standing tree volumes from stumps. This tutorial covers how to use the Timber Theft Program as well as a review of regression analysis. Demonstrations include how to input data, how to perform regression analysis and how to generate reports in the program.
National Check Cruise Program (NCC) Tutorial (.exe, 08-30-2011, 4.3M)
This tutorial covers the NCC program in detail. It offers an introduction to check cruising as well as modules on each portion of the NCC program which includes creating a check cruise file, entering/editing regional tolerances, performing the analysis and generating necessary reports.

Scaling

FSscaler (.exe, 08-30-2011, 2.4M)

This tutorial covers all aspects of the FSscaler program. FSscaler is the Windows/Windows CE successor to SCE (Scaling Data Entry). This tutorial provides the student with details about installation, data entry, reports, and background information such as CUFT and BDFT calculations.
National Scale Expansion Tutorial (.exe, 06-21-2013, 24M)

The ScaleExpansion program is an important tool for recording scaled load information. This tutorial covers every aspect of the ScaleExpansion program from entering tickets, sample groups, and contract species to importing load information, manually entering load information, and generating a variety of reports. Demonstration clips of procedures for each section are provided as well.
National Forest Log Scaling Tutorial (.exe, 08-30-2011, 84M)

This tutorial covers the two methods of scaling logs within the Forest Service, Cubic Log Scaling, and Scribner Log Scaling. The Cubic Log Scaling Tutorial covers scaler certification, sampling systems, utilization, species identification, defect identification, diameter determination and length determination. The Scribner Log Scaling Tutorial covers basic procedures including diameter and length determination, various defect methods, log defects, species identification, defect identification and special scaling situations. Both tutorial sections contain demonstration clips of select procedures. The installation package allows the user to download and install the entire tutorial (Cubic and Scribner) or the individual tutorial section (Cubic or Scribner). Additionally, a closed caption version of the demonstration clips maybe downloaded.