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Drone-Based Forest Survey

A drone-based forest survey offers a modern solution compared to traditional, time-consuming field data collection. Drones can cover large forested areas in a short amount of time while capturing highly accurate spatial data.
Data collection is typically performed using two main methods:

  • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): uses laser scanning to create a highly accurate 3D point cloud of tree canopies, trunks, and ground surfaces.
  • Photogrammetry: processes high-resolution overlapping aerial images to extract detailed spatial data about the forest stand.

Why Choose Drone Surveys?​

  • Speed: large areas can be surveyed within a short timeframe.
  • Accuracy: centimeter-level resolution of terrain and tree structures.
  • Detail: provides information on canopy structure, trunks, and terrain simultaneously.
  • Access to difficult terrain: steep slopes, wetlands, or remote locations can be mapped safely.
  • Repeatability: the same area can be re-measured at any interval, enabling precise change monitoring.
  • Safety: reduces the need to send field workers to hazardous or inaccessible sites.
  • Cost efficiency: less field time and fewer personnel required, resulting in lower costs.

✅ Advantage: Drone surveys enable fast, accurate, and detailed forest data collection while minimizing costs and fieldwork risks.

Summary​

The use of drones opens new horizons in forest surveying. Whether using LiDAR or photogrammetry, the resulting datasets are often more detailed and accurate than those from traditional methods — forming the foundation of modern, data-driven forest management.