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How TreeDetect Works

TreeDetect offers a complete, end-to-end solution for drone-based forest surveying.
The process consists of five structured steps, each building on the previous one to ensure fast, accurate, and reliable results.

1. Planning​

Every project begins with survey planning.
The user defines the survey boundaries, selects the drone type, and based on these inputs, the software automatically determines all required flight parameters (altitude, overlap, gimbal tilt, etc.), preparing the drone for flight.

  • Interactive map interface for defining the survey area
  • Predefined configurations ensure consistent data collection
  • The flight area’s KML file can be exported with a single click

✅ Advantage: Automated planning minimizes human error and ensures that all necessary data is captured efficiently.

⚠️ Important: Always use the flight parameters recommended by the software to ensure accurate and consistent data collection!

2. Flight​

The next stage is the flight, during which the drone performs the actual data acquisition.
TreeDetect is compatible with virtually any modern drone, allowing users to work with their own equipment.

  • LiDAR sensor: captures high-precision 3D point clouds of tree canopies and ground surfaces.
  • Photogrammetry: captures high-resolution overlapping images that TreeDetect later processes into detailed 3D point clouds.

The flight is carried out by the drone pilot.
The flight path exported from TreeDetect (e.g., as a KML file) can be loaded into external planning applications such as DJI Pilot 2 or DroneDeploy, where users can set the recommended parameters (altitude, overlap, camera angle, etc.).
Once configured, the drone autonomously executes the flight and collects the required data.

✅ Advantage: Users only need to launch the flight — TreeDetect handles the rest of the workflow automatically.

⚠️ Note: Always perform flights only under safe and stable weather conditions!

3. Upload​

After the flight, the raw data can be easily uploaded to the TreeDetect platform.
This includes images, point clouds, and flight metadata.

  • Drag & drop file upload
  • Input of flight data (date, location, parameters)
  • Optional forestry parameters (e.g., custom formulas, calculation methods)
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing: users only pay for the area actually surveyed

⚡ Note: During upload, all files and area data are automatically validated to ensure they meet processing requirements.

4. Processing​

Uploaded data is processed automatically, whether it comes from LiDAR or photogrammetry.
The two data sources follow nearly identical workflows, except that for photogrammetry, the system first generates the 3D point cloud from the uploaded images.

If a photogrammetric survey was conducted, TreeDetect first creates a precise 3D point cloud from the uploaded images.
Then it automatically generates a Digital Terrain Model (DTM), orthophoto, and Canopy Height Model (CHM).

The processed data is then analyzed automatically:

  • Trees are detected and segmented individually
  • Each tree’s height, diameter, and basal area are measured
  • Stand-level indicators such as total volume, basal area sum, and many other forestry metrics are calculated

✅ Advantage: TreeDetect’s automated processing delivers detailed forestry data in a fraction of the time required for traditional field measurements.

5. Report​

The final step is the report, which presents all results in a clear, structured format.

  • Interactive maps
  • Detailed statistical tables and charts
  • Exportable PDF report
  • Project-based sharing — users can even share individual report segments

✅ Advantage: The report not only provides an instant overview but also includes actionable insights that can support economic, environmental, and operational forestry decisions.