pyFIA is a Python library that provides programmatic access to USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. It allows researchers and analysts to query forest inventory databases and calculate timber volumes, carbon stocks, and tree biomass using simple Python functions.

How do I install pyFIA?

Install pyFIA using pip: pip install pyfia. The library requires Python 3.8+ and has dependencies on pandas and requests for data handling and API access.

What data can I access with pyFIA?

pyFIA provides access to FIA survey data including tree counts, timber volumes, forest area, carbon stocks, and biomass estimates. You can filter data by state, county, year, and species to analyze forest inventory trends.

Is pyFIA compatible with EVALIDator?

Yes, pyFIA produces results that are validated against USDA EVALIDator queries. The library uses the same underlying FIA database and estimation methods to ensure consistency with official USDA forest inventory statistics.

pyFIA - Python Library for FIA Database Access

Key Features

FIA Database API

Direct programmatic access to the USDA Forest Service FIA database through a clean Python interface. Query forest inventory data without manual downloads.

Timber Volume Calculations

Calculate net cubic foot volume, board foot volume, and merchantable timber estimates for any state, county, or forest type.

Carbon & Biomass Analysis

Estimate forest carbon stocks, above-ground biomass, and carbon sequestration rates using FIA-validated methods.

Pandas Integration

All query results returned as pandas DataFrames for seamless integration with your data science workflow.

Species-Level Analysis

Filter and analyze data by tree species, species groups, or custom species lists for targeted forest research.

EVALIDator Validation

Query results validated against official USDA EVALIDator estimates to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Quick Start

# Install pyFIA
pip install pyfia

# Import and query FIA data
from pyfia import FIA

# Get timber volume for North Carolina
client = FIA()
volume = client.get_volume(
    state="NC",
    year=2023
)

# Get forest carbon estimates
carbon = client.get_carbon(
    state="NC",
    county="Wake"
)

print(volume.head())

Core Functions

get_volume()

Query timber volume estimates by state, county, and species

get_carbon()

Retrieve forest carbon stock estimates and sequestration rates

get_biomass()

Calculate above-ground and below-ground tree biomass

get_area()

Query forest land area by ownership, forest type, and stand age

get_trees()

Access tree-level data including diameter, height, and species

get_plots()

Retrieve FIA plot locations and survey metadata

get_mortality()

Analyze tree mortality rates and causes

get_growth()

Calculate forest growth and yield projections

pyFIA

EVALIDator-Compatible

50 States

8+ Functions

Open Source