Hands-on training was held with fourth-year students of the Department of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, Isparta University of Applied Sciences, as part of the Vocational Training in Enterprise (VTE) course on 08.10.2026 in the Doğandere locality, within the boundaries of the Davraz Forest Enterprise Unit of the Isparta Forest Enterprise Directorate. Mehmet AKTAŞ, Machinery and Supply Branch Manager of the Isparta Regional Directorate of Forestry, demonstrated in the field how surveys for new roads, superstructure, major repairs, and engineering structures (such as culverts) are carried out. Our students took part in determining the road route, recording the coordinates of the starting point, and marking staking-out points. They gained experience in measuring road and slope gradients using tools such as a clinometer, leveling rod, and measuring wheel, checking road width, and assessing terrain conditions.
In the continuation of the program, existing forest roads and engineering structures were examined, and the causes of road deterioration, maintenance and repair needs, and points to consider in superstructure works were discussed. The positioning and sizing of culverts and pipes, and the importance of safely diverting surface water for protecting the road, were explained. Information was also given on how terrain and ground characteristics affect cut-and-fill quantities and approximate cost calculations. In this way, our students had the opportunity to practice different survey activities in the field, from planning forest roads to evaluating existing ones. We thank the staff of the Machinery and Supply Branch of the Isparta Regional Directorate of Forestry and the staff of the Davraz Unit of the Isparta Forest Enterprise Directorate who contributed to the training, for sharing their knowledge and experience with our students.
