The first Swiss National Forest Inventory was conducted as a systematic survey over a 1 x 1 km grid, and since the aim from the start was to establish a permanent inventory all the 10 975 sample plots were permanently marked. The first inventory was carried out between 1983 and 1985, and the findings were published in 1988. The second inventory is planned to begin in 1992. The main parameters to be determined are standing volume, increment, drain, and site conditions. Among other considerations, the application of aerial photography, stratification, and SPR as a concept for a permanent inventory are being studied in the further development of the design.