Over the past decade, technological advancements have profoundly transformed urban forest management. Tools like GIS software, lidar, eco-benefit determination, and drones have revolutionized how we approach and manage urban forests. The speakers will offer an overview of current technologies used in analyzing urban forests and a glimpse of emerging ones. They’ll focus on the use of drones and GIS technology for data collection in urban forestry, utility, and asset management. Drones enable efficient aerial surveys, capturing high-resolution imagery, video footage, and lidar data for detailed insights into forest health and structure. GIS software integrates and manages data, enabling visualization of forest attributes and data-driven decisions for effective management. These technologies streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall forest management efficiency. Utilities can use them to identify conflicts between trees and power lines, enabling proactive risk mitigation. Asset management can benefit from accurate tree assessments, aiding maintenance, removal, or replacement decisions. Integrating drones, GIS software, lidar, and eco-benefit determination has transformed how we analyze and manage urban forests. Embracing these technologies unlocks valuable insights, optimizes resource allocation, and facilitates informed decisions for the long-term health of urban forests.
At the conclusion of this session participants will be better able to:
• Explore how drone technology enhances tree inventory and canopy assessments, enabling data collection from previously inaccessible locations and providing a comprehensive perspective for effective analysis.
• Utilize advanced drones as data collectors, leveraging aerial data to feed into specialized software for nuanced analysis, enabling more efficient and precise insights into urban forest management.
• Recognize how to integrate the data file into tree inventory software systems. This process facilitates an in-depth analysis, offering valuable insights for property owners and forestry management professionals.
Contributor/Source
Andrew Fonseca
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