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LiDAR for Forest Inventory and Assessment in Finland

EAASI company: BSF Swissphoto


 

Project Overview

Since 2010, the Finnish Forest Centre (FFC) has leveraged airborne LiDAR technology to monitor Finland’s forests on a national scale, with the support of comprehensive ground-based measurements and coordinated by Maanmittauslaitos (MML), the Finnish national land survey.


This extensive effort combines high-density laser scanning with aerial photography in a recurring six-year cycle. Through these processes, Finland has pioneered an advanced forest inventory system that balances aerial data collection with in-depth field data, offering one of the most thorough forestry monitoring systems in Europe.

 

Technical Solution

BSF Swissphoto, a founding member of the European Association of Aerial Surveying Industries (EAASI), has been essential in advancing this project. In partnership with MML, BSF Swissphoto has conducted large-scale LiDAR missions to acquire high-density laser data across Finland’s forests, enabling intricate mapping and biomass assessments essential for sustainable forestry.


In 2014-2015, BSF Swissphoto and a partner organization mapped approximately 45,720 square kilometers, later followed by another 41,000 square kilometers scanned at a density of 1 point per square meter in 2018. With updated requirements from MML, the company embarked on its most ambitious data collection to date, covering a total area of 109,886 square kilometers at a density of 5 points per square meter—a level of detail that requires approximately 250 flight hours to complete. This high-density data captures both canopy and sub-canopy information, offering a comprehensive understanding of tree height, canopy structure, and even individual tree trunks.


The FFC’s process also includes mapping 800 to 1,000 sample plots within each LiDAR block for extensive field data collection. This integration of aerial LiDAR with detailed ground-level sampling is a unique approach that enhances accuracy in biodiversity assessments, forest biomass measurements, and topography mapping.


Image courtesy: Metsakeskus


Project Benefits

The high-resolution LiDAR data acquired by BSF Swissphoto has been instrumental in building detailed forest inventory maps, enabling forest managers to gain insights into critical forest parameters, including tree height, canopy density, and biomass estimations. These maps assist with a range of forestry objectives, from sustainable management and harvesting planning to biodiversity conservation. The comprehensive inventory and assessment practices have elevated Finland’s ability to conduct efficient resource management and climate-focused planning.

 

 

Future Outlook 

As the Finnish forest monitoring project continues, the integration of high-density LiDAR data with detailed field measurements is set to become the model for nationwide forest assessment. The technology’s ability to deliver both topographic and ecological data aligns with Finland’s goals for sustainable forestry, and future iterations may see even higher density scans or additional parameters to support evolving climate and conservation needs.


This case study appeared for the first time in the article Crewed aerial surveying: a key tool in modern forest monitoring published by GIM International.



 

Learn more about how other EAASI members utilize crewed aerial technology to address global challenges in our Use Cases series, a dedicated section showcasing real-world applications, and achievements by EAASI’s diverse members.


This collection of use cases highlights the unique advantages and capabilities of crewed aerial surveying in various fields, from environmental monitoring to infrastructure planning.


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