Fraying damage: only occasional occurrences
were recorded.
In order to single out the key factors which have the
most influence on forest damage, the CART statistical
method was used. This particular method analyses a
phenomenon and hierarchically orders the variables, depending
on their influence. Moreover, unlike traditional
methods, it can use simultaneously both qualitative and
quantitative variables. Results are shown as a tree,
formed of binary nodes and son groups, creating several
pathways. Along these pathways, according to the series
of nodes, the independent or “predictor” variables are
identified hierarchically: first nodes have a lower prediction
error value and represent key decisional factors.