Reaching New Heights in Forestry: A Milestone for Green Analytics
Published:
October 2, 2024
Author:
Kevin Horrocks

In the past year, Green Analytics has reached a key milestone in producing forestry-related data outputs at a national scale.  

Our team of geospatial analysts has obtained high-quality LiDAR datasets at a 1-meter resolution and crafted a robust processing pathway to generate forestry outputs across multiple provinces. While our initial testing occurred in New Brunswick, we've determined that this approach can be applied across Canada. This includes strong coverage in several regions previously light on such data. The nationwide coverage of our processed data is a significant leap forward in forestry data collection and analysis.

The Power of LiDAR Data

What makes our approach stand out is the scale at which we’re applying it. Using available LiDAR datasets, we can generate more refined measures of individual trees and canopy cover compared to traditional methods. While remote sensing remains valuable, especially in areas without LiDAR coverage, our approach offers enhanced detail where LiDAR data is available, providing a significant improvement in forest delineation.

This approach allows us to capture important data on carbon storage, biomass, and more, all stored in a standard format that end users can easily access and apply. In line with our commitment to producing high-quality natural asset inventories, these LiDAR-driven outputs further enhance our ability to support sustainable land management practices and environmental planning.

High-Value Data for Municipalities and Beyond

What makes our forestry output even more remarkable is that it doesn’t just enhance asset inventories—it stands alone as a high-value product. The demand for precise forestry data has never been greater, and our outputs offer immense potential for municipalities and other stakeholders across Canada. Our data supports environmental efforts and opens doors for business, policy-making, and urban planning. We’re confident that our LiDAR-driven approach will prove invaluable to many industries.

Tree Canopy Assessments: Municipalities can use our data outputs to create tree inventories and conduct canopy assessments. Canopy assessments demonstrate the impact of increased canopy on air temperature, soil moisture, water retention and biodiversity. Such assessments consider the impact of trees on watercourse conditions as shade reduces water temperatures and helps maintain oxygen in the water. Additionally, since trees absorb rainfall, reduce runoff and mitigate flooding accurate canopy data aids in designing effective stormwater management systems.
Urban Planning and Development: Businesses involved in real estate and urban development can use this data to assess existing green spaces, identify potential sites for new developments, and design projects that incorporate sustainable practices.
Environmental Compliance: Companies in industries like construction and landscaping can use tree inventory data to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to mitigate impacts on local ecosystems.
Risk Management: Companies can assess risks related to tree health and urban forestry, such as the potential for tree failure during storms, which can affect property values and safety.

Here's a glimpse of some of our latest outputs from Canmore, Alberta:

Polygonizing tree canopy for each tree point, providing detailed spatial information

Conversion of surface and terrain models to canopy height models

Individual tree segmentation: recognizing and placing tree points as spatial data

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of forestry data and unlock new opportunities with geospatial analytics.  

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