Drone-Based Forest Survey

Drone-based forest surveying offers a modern solution compared to traditional, time-consuming field data collection. Drones can cover large areas quickly while gathering highly accurate data. Data recording can be done using two main methods:

• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): uses laser scanning to create an extremely precise 3D point cloud of tree canopies, trunks, and the ground surface.
• Photogrammetry: processes high-resolution overlapping aerial photos to extract detailed spatial data from the forest stand.

Why Is Drone Surveying Advantageous?

• Speed: large areas can be surveyed in a short time.
• Accuracy: centimetre-resolution data of the terrain and trees.
• Detail: canopy level, trunks, and the ground surface can all be observed.
• Coverage of hard-to-reach areas: steep slopes, wetlands, and inaccessible locations can be safely surveyed.
• Repeatability: the same area can be re-measured as often as needed, allowing precise change tracking.
• Safety: drones can be used instead of sending field personnel to hazardous sites.
• Cost efficiency: survey time is reduced and fewer personnel are required.

✅ Advantage: Drone surveying enables fast, accurate, and detailed data collection simultaneously, while reducing costs and field work risks.

Summary

The use of drones opens new horizons in forest surveying. Whether LiDAR or photogrammetry is used, the resulting data is in many cases more detailed and accurate than traditional methods. This lays the foundation for modern, data-driven forest management.