EMMFOR - Application of modern methods for forest inventories

Compared to GPS, the use of DGPS (differential GPS), especially the combined use of GPS, EGNOS and further GALILEO, allows a more precise relocation of the sample points.

Additional total stations and autonomous sensors (e.g. magnetometer, gyros, barometer and acceleration sensors) guide to the sample points even in topographically difficult locations.

Employing high resolution satellite imagery in addition to traditional methods adds further advancements to the satellite navigation component:

• The high repetition rates,
• the large aerial coverage,
• the high geometric accuracy, and
• the spectral information content

bear the potential for rapid, precise, more frequent forest assessments covering larger areas and a broader thematic scope than conventional forest inventories.

Earth observation data are analysed along with traditional data in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to achieve maximum value of these various types of information. Important overall improvements and added value in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and information quality resulted from the innovative approach of EMMFOR.

The involvement of the users from the very beginning of the project guaranteed the development of a prototype service, which is actually based on the requirements and the financial capabilities of forest management actors.

Coordinator

TeleConsult Austria GmbH - Bernhard Hofmann-Wellenhof

Partners

• GeoVille Informations und Datenverarbeitungs GmbH - Christian Hoffmann
• Stand Montafon, Forstfonds - Bernhard Maier
• Technisches Büro für Forst- und Holzwirtschaft - Siegbert Terzer
• HiTec, Vereinigung High Tech Marketing - Walter Aigner

TeleConsult Austria GmbH
Bernhard Hofmann-Wellenhof
Schwarzbauerweg 3
A-8043 Graz
E-mail: info@teleconsult-austria.at
Web: www.teleconsult-austria.at