Tasks

The Division deals with the practical application of remote sensing for research projects of the Austrian Federal Office and Research Centre for Forests (BFW). At the same time basic principles for planning to be applied by forestry institutions are developed.

Generally, coloured infrared aerial photographs (CIR) and photogrammetry are used for various thematic and metric data interpretation (forest condition, stand characterisation). CIR-areal photographs document the actual situation of the forest condition at the moment of the flight survey. They are the basis of time series analyses. The monitoring of numerous site and stand parameters is made by high-tech stereoplotters with common software for photogrammetry and mapping. In addition, the Division uses programmes designed in particular for large-scale regional forest monitoring. Stand and terrain parameters are identified and tree crowns individually assessed by means of a three dimensional stereo model assigned to the national coordinate system. This makes it possible to carry out repeated assessments exactly on the same object. Statistical and mapping data analysis are used to identify the causes of forest damage and to reveal problem areas.

Projects

So far 60 study areas have been covered (approx. 10 000 km²) taking 13 000 CIR-aerial photographs. Under 26 regional sample surveys 134 000 single tree crowns have been assessed on approximately 24 000 sample plots. The research activities of the Division provide project-specific interpretation keys for aerial photographs and investigation reports. They are available at the library of the BFW. Large-scale regional monitoring on the forest condition is complemented by detailed surveys dealing with subjects such as

• Application of information from aerial photographs in site mapping
• Spreading and development of fungus deseases in selected areas (pine decline, sweet chestnut)
• Detailed studies in natural forest reserves with emphasis on special problems (e.g. succession in burned areas, vegetation mapping in steep terrain)
• Three-dimensional digital models of stand surfaces

The many possibilities of remote sensing use in forestry are addressed under several pilote projects. In addition to the standard use of aerial photographs the use of satellite data is tested to solve problems in forestry. The use of digital photogrammetry is imminent and will make it possible to apply high-resolution satellite data for orthophotos, automatic classification and data compression.

Cooperations

• International EU-Working Group "Remote Sensing Application on Forest Health Assessment" (national representation) (Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Gärtner)
• International Task Force of Forest Aerial Photograph Interpreters (AFL) (Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Gärtner)

Contact