Forest enterprises representing the entire forest area of a country can be grouped in various types depending upon structural characteristics and other features. In many cases structural resemblance may lead to functional resemblance. Relative structural resemblances between enterprises were quantified by cluster analysis. Forest enterprises with close and frequent resemblances to others are identified as centrotypes. They represent the typological centre of a group of comparable enterprises.
This approach provides a choice of comparable enterprises either for consulting purposes or for comparative studies. lnvestigations based upon sampling procedures are becoming more valuable with reference to typological criteria. An improved typological classification leads to a better, understanding of the background of forest economy and forest management.