- Table View
- List View
Forensic Digital Image Processing: Optimization of Impression Evidence
by Brian Dalrymple Jill SmithThe digital revolution over the past several decades has advanced every facet of evidence detection, photography, optimization, and interpretation. Forensic scientists and practitioners have benefited tremendously from the move from film to digital. With proper procedures in place, digital images and casework capabilities have increased tremendously in both complexity and range due to a vast array of tools to enhance evidence and photography. Forensic Digital Image Processing: Optimization of Impression Evidence provides the forensic investigator with the tools and understanding to extract, optimize, and interpret the maximum evidence possible from crime scenes to increase identifications. The book begins by examining the emergence of forensic digital image processing, and the gradual improvement and acceptance of the science over the past four decades. Coverage includes looking at the issues of image integrity and authentication including forensic image optimization and the manipulation of images. Chapters explore techniques exploiting color theory, modes, and channels to optimize signal-to-noise ratio in images. One of the greatest assets of digital image technology is the ability to combine multiple images of the same subject to create a final, blended image: one that displays the desired evidence and is especially useful for fingerprint or footwear impression. Later chapters demonstrate image subtraction, focus stacking, and high dynamic range, utilizing images in optimum focus and with substrate interference diminished or removed entirely. The authors look at fast Fourier transform as an optimal tool for noise removal, addressing basic theory and diagnosis of the noise signatures. The book discusses the history of digital imaging techniques and their treatment within the court system. Forensic Digital Image Processing: Optimization of Impression Evidence serves as an invaluable resource and tool for practicing professionals–as well as those new to the field—to look at best practices, the latest technology, and advances in utilizing the increasing array of tools of the trade.
Forensic DNA Typing: Principles, Applications and Advancements
by Pankaj Shrivastava Hirak Ranjan Dash Jose A. Lorente Jahangir ImamThe book explores the fundamental principles, advances in forensic techniques, and its application on forensic DNA analysis. The book is divided into three modules; the first module provides the historical prospect of forensic DNA typing and introduces fundamentals of forensic DNA typing, methodology, and technical advancements, application of STRs, and DNA databases for forensic DNA profile analysis. Module 2 examines the problems and challenges encountered in extracting DNA and generating DNA profiles. It provides information on the methods and the best practices for DNA isolation from forensic biological samples and human remains like ancient DNA, DNA typing of skeletal remains and disaster victim identification, the importance of DNA typing in human trafficking, and various problems associated with capillary electrophoresis. Module 3 emphasizes various technologies that are based on SNPs, STRs namely Y-STR, X-STR, mitochondrial DNA profiling in forensic science. Module 4 explores the application of non-human forensic DNA typing of domestic animals, wildlife forensics, plant DNA fingerprinting, and microbial forensics. The last module discusses new areas and alternative methods in forensic DNA typing, including Next-Generation Sequencing, and its utility in forensic science, oral microbes, and forensic DNA phenotyping. Given its scope, the book is a useful resource in the field of DNA fingerprinting for scientists, forensic experts, and students at the postgraduate level.
Forensic Engineering: The Art and Craft of A Failure Detective
by Colin GaggForensic Engineering: The Art and Craft of a Failure Detective synthesizes the current academic knowledge, with advances in process and techniques developed in the last several years, to bring forensic materials and engineering analysis into the 21st century. The techniques covered in the book are applied to the myriad types of cases the forensic engineer and investigator may face, serving as a working manual for practitioners. Analytical techniques and practical, applied engineering principles are illustrated in such cases as patent and intellectual property disputes, building and product failures, faulty design, air and rail disasters, automobile recalls, and civil and criminal cases. Both private and criminal cases are covered as well as the legal obligation, requirements, and responsibilities under the law, particularly in cases of serious injury or even death. Forensic Engineering will appeal to professionals working in failure analysis, loss adjustment, occupational health and safety as well as professionals working in a legal capacity in cases of produce failure and liability—including criminal cases, fraud investigation, and private consultants in engineering and forensic engineering.
Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessments for Residential and Commercial Structures
by Stephen E. PettyA comprehensive resource that builds a bridge between engineering disciplines and the building sciences and trades, Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessments for Residential and Commercial Structures provides an extensive look into the world of forensic engineering. With a focus on investigations associated with insurance industry claims, the book describes methodologies for performing insurance-related investigations including the causation and origin of damage to residential and commercial structures and/or unhealthy interior environments and adverse effects on the occupants of these structures. Edited by an industry expert with more than 30 years of experience, and authors with more than 100 years of experience in the field, the book takes the technical aspects of engineering and scientific principles and applies them to real-world issues in a non-technical manner. It provides readers with the experiences, investigation methodologies, and investigation protocols used in, and derived from completing thousands of forensic engineering investigations. It begins with providing a baseline methodology for completing forensic investigations and closes with advice on testifying as an expert witness. Much of what must be known in this field is not learned in school, but is based upon experience since recognizing the cause of a building system failure requires a blending of skills from the white collar and blue collar worlds. Such knowledge can be vital since failures (e.g., water entry) often result from construction activities completed out of sequence.. This book details proven methodologies based on over 7,000 field investigations, methodologies which can be followed by both professionals and laymen alike.
Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessments for Residential and Commercial Structures
by Stephen E. PettyServing as a comprehensive resource that builds a bridge between engineering disciplines and the building sciences and trades, Forensic Engineering: Damage Assessments for Residential and Commercial Structures, Second Edition provides an extensive look into the world of forensic engineering. Focusing on investigations associated with insurance industry claims, the book describes methodologies for performing insurance-related investigations, including the causation and origin of damage to residential and commercial structures and/or unhealthy interior environments and adverse effects on the occupants of these structures. Edited by an industry expert with more than 40 years of experience and contributors with more than 100 years of experience in the field, the book takes the technical aspects of engineering and scientific principles and applies them to real-world issues in a nontechnical manner. The book provides readers with the experiences, investigation methodologies, and investigation protocols used in and derived from thousands of forensic engineering investigations. FEATURES Covers 24 topics in forensic engineering based on thousands of actual field investigations Provides a proven methodology based on engineering and scientific principles, experience, and common sense to determine the causes of forensic failures pertaining to residential and commercial properties Includes references to many codes, standards, technical literature, and industry best practices Illustrates detailed and informative examples utilizing color photographs and figures for industry best practices as well as to identify improper installations Combines information from a multitude of resources into one succinct, easy-to-use guide This book details proven methodologies based on over 10,000 field investigations in which the related strategies can be practically applied and appreciated by both professionals and laymen alike.
Forensic Examination of Fibres (International Forensic Science and Investigation)
by James Robertson Claude Roux Kenneth G. WigginsIn order for forensic fibre examiners to fully utilize fibre and textile evidence during their analysis, they require not only specialised forensic knowledge but also in-depth knowledge of fibres, yarns and fabrics themselves. Production, both the chemical and physical structure, and the properties of these materials is required in order to determine the value of fibre evidence. This includes knowing production figures, fashion changes, sudden arrivals of new materials, dye variability, and numerous other factors that may have a bearing on the information obtained. Fully updated with the latest advances, Forensic Examination of Fibres, Third Edition continues in the tradition of the First (1992) and Second Editions (1999) as the premier text on the subject of forensic fibre analysis. The international team of contributing authors detail the recovery of the evidence—through the different stages of laboratory examination—to the evaluation of the meaning of findings. The coverage has been considerably expanded, and all material, has been revised and wholly updated. Topics covered include examining damaged textiles, infrared microspectroscopy and thin layer chomatography, and colour analyses. This edition also highlights the critical role of quality assurance in ensuring the reliability of the technical observations and results, and, in doing so, looks at the implications of supervisory managers and labs in the accurate and responsible analysis of such evidence. Features include: Outlining evidentiary process from collecting and preserving the evidence at the crime scene through the laboratory analysis of fibres Detailing the latest developments and emerging technologies including Kevlar and other such advances in fibre technology Coverage of a broad array of fibres both, natural (cellulose, protein, and mineral) and man-made fibres including synthetic, inorganic and regenerated Forensic Examination of Fibres, Third Edition is a much-needed update to the classic book, serving as an indispensable reference to crime scene technicians, laboratory forensic scientists and microscopists, students in police, forensic, and justice science programs.
Forensic Gait Analysis: Principles and Practice
by Ivan Birch Michael Nirenberg Wesley VernonGait analysis is the systematic study of human walking, using the eye and brain of experienced observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles. Since Aristotle’s work on gait analysis more than 2000 years ago, it has become an established clinical science used extensively in the healthcare and rehabilitation fields for diagnosis and treatment. Forensic Gait Analysis details the more recent, and rapidly developing, uses of gait analysis in the forensic sciences. This includes using observational gait analysis, especially based on video recordings, to assist in the process of identifying individuals. With the increase in use of CCTV and surveillance systems over the last 20 to 30 years, there has been a steady and rapid increase in the use of gait as evidence. Currently, gait analysis is widely used in the UK in criminal investigations, with increasing awareness of its potential use in the US, Europe, and globally. The book details the history of the science, current practices, and emergent application to establish best-practice standards that conform to those of other forensic science disciplines. Engagement with the Forensic Science Regulator, the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in the UK, and the International Association for Identification has helped to ensure and enhance the quality assurance of forensic gait analysis. However, there remains a fundamental lack of standardized training and methodology for use in an evidentiary and investigative capacity. This book fills that void, serving as one of the first books to reflect the state of current practice and capabilities—outlining a standard of practice and expectations as to what gait analysis, and by association gait analysis experts, and corroborate. Forensic Gait Analysis will reflect the research and current forensic practices and serve as a state-of-the-art, definitive guide to the use of gait analysis in the forensic context—for both education and training purposes. It will be a welcome addition to the library of professionals in the areas of podiatry, gait analysis, forensic video analysis, law enforcement, and legal practitioners.
Forensic GIS
by Gregory A. Elmes George Roedl Jamison ConleyA variety of disciplines and professions have embraced geospatial technologies for collecting, storing, manipulating, analyzing and displaying spatial data to investigate crime, prosecute and convict offenders, exonerate suspects and submit evidence in civil lawsuits. The applications, acceptability and relevance and procedural legality of each geospatial technologies vary. The purpose of this book is to explain the nature of geospatial technologies, demonstrate a variety of geospatial applications used to investigate and litigate civil and criminal activities and to provide a reference of current acceptability of geospatial technology in the production of evidence. This book is an introductory overview designed to appeal to researchers and practitioners across disciplinary boundaries. The authors of this book are researchers and practitioners across disciplines and professions, experts in the field.
Forensic Human Factors and Ergonomics: Case Studies and Analyses (Human Factors and Ergonomics)
by Michael S. WogalterThis book has 18 case study chapters investigating various injury scenarios through the use of a Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) analysis. Each injury scenario derives from one or more similar lawsuits (but names, places and some of the details are fictionalized). The scenarios describe a ‘slice of life’ of people interacting with products, equipment, tasks, and environments before they are seriously hurt. The forensic analysis that follows each scenario gives a background of prior similar events and systematically examines potential causes leading to the injury event. There is emphasis on the person-machine interface, human error, hazard analysis, hazard control and a model of communication-human information processing (C-HIP). Chapters are authored by highly experienced expert witnesses in HFE. The methods used are general techniques that can be applied to other injury scenarios, but would be better if employed earlier in a product’s life cycle to prevent or limit injury. The first three chapters introduce concepts useful for the analyses in the case study chapters. The last chapter offers some broad take-away points that cut across several of the case studies. Features contributions by persons who have extensive experience in HFE and who have served professionally in the role of an expert witness in various legal cases mostly in product liability Gives a broad range of situations to illustrate where HFE considerations could improve product or environmental safety. There is an emphasis on children/caregivers, and adult activities such as driving Uses mitigation strategies to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and severity of adverse events Includes a first-person scenario at the beginning of each chapter Allows the lessons learned to be adaptable to other domains where people interact with products and environments
Forensic Interpretation of Glass Evidence
by James Michael Curran Tacha Natalie Hicks John S. BuckletonIntended for forensic scientists and students, this book provides the necessary statistical tools and methodology for introducing forensic glass evidence into the laboratory. It contains an introductory chapter on glass evidence procedures and analysis before covering topics such as classical approaches to handling glass evidence, the application of Bayesian statistics to forensic science, and the use of histograms. The authors present both the physical and chemical examinations performed on glass along with their interpretations. With free software available for downloading at the authors' web site, scientists can apply their own data and draw conclusions using the principles detailed in the text.
Forensic Issues in Alcohol Testing
by Steven B. KarchForensic Issues in Alcohol Testing analyzes the acute and chronic effects of alcohol intoxication and a variety of methods with which to measure alcohol concentration in blood, urine, and breath testing. It considers variations in acute impairment by detailing the disposition and fate of alcohol in the body and factors influencing absorption, distribution, and elimination. Specific chapters address difficulties in measuring and interpreting post-mortem alcohol concentrations, recent advances in biochemical testing, and the efficacy of tests as evaluators of dependence or potential for dependence. Containing more than 40 tables, the information is extensively referenced and supported by a range of studies.
Forensic Materials Engineering: Case Studies
by Peter Rhys Lewis Ken Reynolds Colin Gagg Colin GaggMost books on forensic engineering focus on civil engineering failures rather than consumer or general mechanical products. Unique both in scope and style, this treatment is built upon case studies of real accidents, broadly focused on consumer products, and dedicated to problem solving through scientific principles. Each well-illustrated case stud
Forensic Media: Reconstructing Accidents in Accelerated Modernity
by Greg SiegelIn Forensic Media, Greg Siegel considers how photographic, electronic, and digital media have been used to record and reconstruct accidents, particularly high-speed crashes and catastrophes. Focusing in turn on the birth of the field of forensic engineering, Charles Babbage's invention of a "self-registering apparatus" for railroad trains, flight-data and cockpit voice recorders ("black boxes"), the science of automobile crash-testing, and various accident-reconstruction techniques and technologies, Siegel shows how "forensic media" work to transmute disruptive chance occurrences into reassuring narratives of causal succession. Through historical and philosophical analyses, he demonstrates that forensic media are as much technologies of cultural imagination as they are instruments of scientific inscription, as imbued with ideological fantasies as they are compelled by institutional rationales. By rethinking the historical links and cultural relays between accidents and forensics, Siegel sheds new light on the corresponding connections between media, technology, and modernity.
Forensic Metrology: An Introduction to the Fundamentals of Metrology for Judges, Lawyers and Forensic Scientists (Research for Development)
by Alessandro Ferrero Veronica ScottiThis book offers up-to-date information and guidance on the application of metrology in legal proceedings, clarifying the limits of validity of scientific evidence and presenting an illuminating series of case studies in which measurement uncertainty has played an important role. The fundamental concepts of metrology are discussed, and it is explained how metrology is capable of quantifying the reliability of measurement results and thereby contributing to appropriate decision making. With the aid of the presented case studies, this book will assist readers in understanding how legal decisions should be made in the presence of uncertainty. Areas covered in those studies include breath alcohol concentration analysis, and DNA profiling. Nowadays, decisions in most legal cases are based on evidence obtained through scientific analysis involving the acquisition of accurate measurements. Against this background, Forensic Metrology will be of value for lawyers and judges in both civil and common law countries, as well as engineers and other scientists with an interest in the subject.
Forensic Radio Survey Techniques for Cell Site Analysis
by Joseph HoyFORENSIC RADIO SURVEY TECHNIQUES FOR CELL SITE ANALYSIS Overview of the end-to-end process of planning, undertaking, and reporting of forensic radio surveying to support cell site analysis The newly updated and revised Second Edition of Forensic Radio Survey Techniques for Cell Site Analysis provides an overview of the end-to-end process of planning, undertaking, and reporting of forensic radio surveying to support the forensic discipline of cell site analysis. It starts by recapping and explaining, in an accessible way, the theory, structure, and operation of cellular communications networks, then moves on to describe the techniques and devices employed to undertake forensic radio surveys. Worked examples are used throughout to demonstrate the practical steps required to plan and undertake forensic radio surveys, including the methods used to analyze radio survey data and compile it into a court report. A summary section condenses the technical and practical elements of the book into a handy reference resource for busy practitioners. The Second Edition contains 25% brand new material covering 5G New Radio networks and ‘6G and beyond,’ critical communications, mobile satellite communications, IoT networks, Cell Site Analysis Tools, and much more. Other sample topics covered in Forensic Radio Survey Techniques for Cell Site Analysis include: Radio theory, covering RF propagation, basic terminology, propagation modes, multipath transmission, and carrying information on a radio signal Core networks, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, subscriber and device identifiers, and international and temporary mobile subscriber identities Cell access control, covering cell barring, forbidden LAC/TAC, location updating, inter- and intra-carrier handovers, and 3GPP network types Forensic radio surveys objectives, terminology, and types, along with location, static spot, and indoor surveys The Second Edition of Forensic Radio Survey Techniques for Cell Site Analysis is an essential reference on the subject for police analysts, practitioners, technicians, investigators, and cell site experts, along with legal professionals and students/trainees in digital forensics.
Forensic Radio Survey Techniques for Cell Site Analysis
by Joseph HoyThis book is intended to be used as both a text book and as an aide memoire handbook by forensic radio survey engineers, particularly those working for official police agencies. The book provides a simple but detailed overview of the operation of cellular networks (GSM, UMTS and LTE, US CDMAOne/CDMA2000, amongst others). In addition, the author also provides an overview of the technical theories that underpin cellular radio systems - basic radio theory and a simple explanation of the mathematical concepts that underlie measurements scales such as dB and dBm. The main part of the book, however, focuses on radio surveys, the various types of survey, the techniques employed for each survey and the considerations and potential problems that can be encountered when surveying different types of network. The final section deals with processing and interpreting the results of radio surveys and examines the information that can be gained from them.
Forensic Speaker Recognition
by Hemant A. Patil Amy NeusteinForensic Speaker Recognition: Law Enforcement and Counter-Terrorism is an anthology of the research findings of 35 speaker recognition experts from around the world. The volume provides a multidimensional view of the complex science involved in determining whether a suspect's voice truly matches forensic speech samples, collected by law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies, that are associated with the commission of a terrorist act or other crimes. While addressing such topics as the challenges of forensic case work, handling speech signal degradation, analyzing features of speaker recognition to optimize voice verification system performance, and designing voice applications that meet the practical needs of law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies, this material all sounds a common theme: how the rigors of forensic utility are demanding new levels of excellence in all aspects of speaker recognition. The contributors are among the most eminent scientists in speech engineering and signal processing; and their work represents such diverse countries as Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, France, Japan, India and the United States. Forensic Speaker Recognition is a useful book for forensic speech scientists, speech signal processing experts, speech system developers, criminal prosecutors and counter-terrorism intelligence officers and agents.
Forensic Systems Engineering: Evaluating Operations by Discovery
by William A. StimsonA systems-level approach to reducing liability through process improvement Forensic Systems Analysis: Evaluating Operations by Discovery presents a systematic framework for uncovering and resolving problematic process failures. Carefully building the causal relationship from process to product, the discussion lays out in significant detail the appropriate and tactical approaches necessary to the pursuit of litigation with respect to corporate operations. Systemic process failures are addressed by flipping process improvement models to study both improvement and failure, resulting in arguments and methodologies relevant to any product or service industry. Guidance on risk analysis of operations combines evaluation of process control, stability, capability, verification, validation, specification, product reliability, serial dependence, and more, providing a robust framework with which to target large-scale nonconforming products and services. Relevant to anyone involved in business, manufacturing, service, and control, this book: Covers process liability and operations management from both engineering and legal perspectives Offers analyses that present novel uses of traditional engineering methods concerning risk and product quality and reliability Takes a rigorous approach to system tactics and constraints related to product and service operations and identifies dysfunctional processes Offers both prescriptive and descriptive solutions to both the plaintiff and the defendant The global economy has created an environment in which huge production volume, complex data bases, and multiple dispersed suppliers greatly challenge industrial operations. This informative guide provides a practical blueprint for uncovering problematic process failures.
Forensics Squad Unleashed
by Monique PolakTabitha is thrilled to be attending a summer forensics camp, especially when she gets the opportunity to use her newfound skills to solve a real-life mystery in this novel for teens.
Foresight for Science, Technology and Innovation
by Ian Miles Ozcan Saritas Alexander SokolovDecision-makers at all levels are being confronted with novel complexities and uncertainties and face long-term challenges which require foresight about long-term future prospects, assumptions, and strategies. This book explores how foresight studies can be systematically undertaken and used in this context. It explicates why and how methods like horizon scanning, scenario planning, and roadmapping should be applied when dealing with high levels of uncertainty. The scope of the book moves beyond "narrow" technology foresight, towards addressing systemic interrelations between social, technological, economic, environmental, and political systems. Applications of foresight tools to such fields as energy, cities, health, transportation, education, and sustainability are considered as well as enabling technologies including nano-, bio-, and information technologies and cognitive sciences. The approaches will be illustrated with specific actual cases.
Forest and Biomass Harvest and Logistics
by Jingxin WangThis book explains forest and woody biomass harvest, harvesting machines, systems, logistics, supply chain management, best management practices, harvest scheduling and carbon sequestration. It also covers applications of harvesting principles in forest and biomass management practices. The book provides an in-depth understanding of functions and applications of current and future harvesting technologies, the unique characteristics of harvesting machine with respect to cost, productivity, and environmental impacts. Special features include harvest machine illustrations and images of field operations, tabular presentations of filed studies of forest operations and detailed modelling processes for forest and biomass harvest logistics and supply chain management. Specifically, the book is designed for students, researchers, educators, and practitioners in the field of forest and biomass harvest and logistics. The book’s contents have been tested in teaching as the Harvesting Forest Product class for undergraduates and graduates in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University since 2000. The information contained in this book is a robust reference resource for students who would be future forest and biomass managers, timber contractors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and educators in the fields of forest and biomass operations, engineering, and resource management.
Forest and Nature Governance
by Jelle Behagel Bas Arts Jessica De Koning Esther Turnhout Séverine Van BommelToday, problems such as deforestation, biodiversity loss and illegal logging have provoked various policy responses that are often referred to as forest and nature governance. In its broadest interpretation, governance is about the many ways in which public and private actors from the state, market and/or civil society govern public issues at multiple scales. This book takes a fresh perspective on the study of forest and nature governance. Departing from 'practice theory', and building upon scholars like Giddens, Bourdieu, Reckwitz, Schatzki and Callon, it seeks to move beyond established understandings of institutions, actors, and knowledge. In so doing, it not only presents an innovative conceptual and methodological framework for a practice based approach, but also rich case studies and ethnographies. Finally, this book is about how actors involved in governance talk about and work with trees, forests, biodiversity, wildlife, and so on, while acting upon forest policies, environmental discourses, codes of conduct, or scientific insights.
Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United States Under Changing Conditions: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis
by Richard V. Pouyat Deborah S. Page-Dumroese Toral Patel-Weynand Linda H. GeiserThis open access book synthesizes leading-edge science and management information about forest and rangeland soils of the United States. It offers ways to better understand changing conditions and their impacts on soils, and explores directions that positively affect the future of forest and rangeland soil health. This book outlines soil processes and identifies the research needed to manage forest and rangeland soils in the United States. Chapters give an overview of the state of forest and rangeland soils research in the Nation, including multi-decadal programs (chapter 1), then summarizes various human-caused and natural impacts and their effects on soil carbon, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and biological diversity (chapters 2–5). Other chapters look at the effects of changing conditions on forest soils in wetland and urban settings (chapters 6–7). Impacts include: climate change, severe wildfires, invasive species, pests and diseases, pollution, and land use change. Chapter 8 considers approaches to maintaining or regaining forest and rangeland soil health in the face of these varied impacts. Mapping, monitoring, and data sharing are discussed in chapter 9 as ways to leverage scientific and human resources to address soil health at scales from the landscape to the individual parcel (monitoring networks, data sharing Web sites, and educational soils-centered programs are tabulated in appendix B). Chapter 10 highlights opportunities for deepening our understanding of soils and for sustaining long-term ecosystem health and appendix C summarizes research needs. Nine regional summaries (appendix A) offer a more detailed look at forest and rangeland soils in the United States and its Affiliates.
The Forest and the City: The Cultural Landscape Of Urban Woodland
by Cecil C. KonijnendijkAmsterdamse Bos, Bois de Boulognes, Epping Forest, Hong Kong’s country parks, Stanley Park: throughout history cities across the world have developed close relationships with nearby woodland areas. In some cases, cities have even developed – and in some cases are promoting – a distinct ‘forest identity’. This book introduces the rich heritage of these city forests as cultural landscapes, and shows that cities and forests can be mutually beneficial.Essential reading for students and researchers interested in urban sustainability and urban forestry, this book also has much wider appeal. For with city forests playing an increasingly important role in local government sustainability programs, it provides an important reference for those involved in urban planning and decision making, public affairs and administration, and even public health. From providers of livelihoods to healthy recreational environments, and from places of inspiration and learning to a source of conflict, the book presents examples of city forests from around the world. These cases clearly illustrate how the social and cultural development of towns and forests has often gone hand in hand. They also reveal how better understanding of city forests as distinct cultural and social phenomena can help to strengthen synergies both between cities and forests, and between urban society and nature.
Forest as a Health Resource (essentials)
by Joachim RathmannJoachim Rathmann presents the interdisciplinary links between forests and human health. Forests provide numerous ecosystem services for the survival, well-being, and maintenance and enhancement of human health. Forests provide multisensory recreational spaces and can therefore be considered a resource that positively impacts both physical, mental, and social aspects of health. The author presents natural science, social science, and humanities research in an understandable, clear, and concise manner for a diverse readership.