The local furniture companies demand for hardwood is rising, and local supply would bolster production. The data was applied through the Geographic Information System MapFactory, on Michigan Geography Maps compiled by Jennifer Stefanacci. These maps are available through the Michigan State University server.
Specific methods used for the production of the Hardwood Production Suitability map are as follows.
Analysis of the Forest cover map showed that areas of native forest included many hardwood species. This native forest cover map was then recoded rating the types of forest cover from one to three, with one being hardwoods and three being soft wood species. The same process was undergone with the soil map, indicating which soil types were best for our specific needs, and rating the soils into three categories. The forest cover map, which showed general cover types within the study area was also recoded, but into two groups, forested, and unforested. These three maps were then combined and recoded according to the new definitions of suitability.