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Based on the interpretation of a chrono-sequence of aerial photographs at different scales the forest will be classified into stands, on basis of their composition, associated ground vegetation, and the maturity, density, distribution and condition of the remaining trees.

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On the basis of the above stand classification, a field inventory will be conducted on the structure, composition and dynamics of the stands. Parallel to this soil fertility conditions and macro- and micro-climatic data will be gathered and correlated to stand conditions.

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Observation and experimentation into regeneration and establishment will initially focus at the quantitative and qualitative assessment of natural seed production and dispersal, seed viability, and germination rates under experimental and natural conditions. It will be followed by experimentally studying the influence of site-preparation on germination rates and seedling establishment.

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In silvicultural improvement experiments, DBH-crown diameter correlations and social position of trees will be utilised for selection of future-trees and the planning of thinnings. The natural growth of the different stands will be calculated and compared with the actual growth performance under different tending regimes. A GIS-based approach will be applied to analyse the effect of site conditions on fire frequency.

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An analysis of the economic viability and the agricultural potential of the sites (including non-forest products) will be conducted parallel to the forest classification and evaluation process.