Forest management is elemental to the restoration and maintenance of vital forest ecosystems which, in countries like Malaysia which is ranked 12 globally in terms of it National Biodiversity Index, could be considered the heart and soul of the planet. The protection of these ecosystems through sustainable forestry management allows for the global demand for timber products to be met while still ensuring longevity and vitality of natural resources.
As you would expect, effective sustainability requires a comprehensive understanding of the landscape as well as accurate in-field sampling and inventory management. Drone technology has been employed over the years to improve this process, which was previously done via satellite imagery or plane. Aerial images captured by drones help create a complete and detailed picture of the forest which can provide remarkably comprehensive insights and analysis.
Species analysis, boundary evaluation and wildlife tracking can be a challenge in some areas and are often based on estimates which are rarely precise. With the assistance of drones, photographic insight into these hard-to-inspect areas is made possible. Large volumes of forest can be measured quickly and accurately, and protected areas can be better pinpointed.
Forest monitoring is an exhaustive process, which requires skill, a talented workforce and resources. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, drastically improve the effectiveness and efficiency of aerial surveillance which subsequently abet landscape mapping & planning – both major aspects of forestry.
The future potential of this rapidly evolving technology is an exciting notion, and evidently application of drone technology in the forestry industry today offers significant advantages to companies like AFCS who embrace it.
References
1. How Drone Technology is Becoming Essential for Forestry. Equinoxsdrones.com. https://www.equinoxsdrones.com/blog/how-drone-technology-is-becoming-essential-for-forestry. Published 2021. Accessed July 7, 2021.
2. Drones and Forestry | Drone Major. Drone Major. https://dronemajor.net/editorials/drones-and-forestry. Published 2021. Accessed July 7, 2021.
3. Padfield R, Campos-Arceiz. Defining conservation priorities in tropical and biodiversity rich countries. University of Nottingham Malaysia. 2016. https://www.nottingham.edu.my/NewsEvents/News/2016/Defining-conservation-priorities-in-tropical-and-biodiversity-rich-countries.aspx. Accessed July 7, 2021.
