COST ACTION CA20118

Three-dimensional Forest Ecosystem Monitoring and Better Understanding by Terrestrial-based Technologies

About

Introduction to the Action

3DForEcoTech project aims to establish a strong network of scientists and stakeholders (i.e. practitioners) and sensor manufacturers to synchronise the knowledge, to develop general protocols and algorithms for forest ecosystem state survey and forest functioning, and to make these novel technologies available to a broad audience.

Specifically, 3DForEcoTech will develop protocols for data acquisition, processing, fusion for forest inventory and ecological applications, and will establish open-data and open-source algorithm databases.

Structure

Meet our Working Groups

The WG1 primarily focuses on different aspects of data collection by novel terrestrial-based technologies suitable to capture and generate 3D point clouds of individual trees as well as forest ecosystems.

The WG2 focuses on the fusion of data produced by novel terrestrial-based technologies data with other remote sensing data. The aim is to establish the link between terrestrial data in the frame of large-scale applications at regional, national, or even global levels.

The WG3 is divided into three main aspects of point cloud processing: pre-processing, processing, and evaluation of results. Pre-processing is an important step for both laser- and image-based point clouds. And it is a very crucial step for photogrammetry where the two-dimensional images are processed into 3D point clouds.

WG4 is working on the application part of the Action. WG4 focuses on the usage of novel terrestrial-based technologies and techniques within precision forestry. Mainly on forest stands and individual tree parameters, that could be used for forest inventory, monitoring, and management.

WG5 is an application-oriented WG, similar to WG4. In this case, the focus is on the implementation of novel terrestrial-based technologies for forest ecology research purposes. In the beginning, it will identify already available best practices. The WG5 closely works with WG1-3 to identify all possibilities from data collection, data fusion, and processing points of view.

WG6 is responsible for identifying important stakeholders and target audiences at the national, European, and global levels. It will establish correct and efficient communication with all parties, in order to disseminate the findings and results.

News

Latest Updates

Aim & Objectives Precision forestry is an approach to forest management that leverages advanced technologies to enhance decision-making processes and optimize forest operations. LiDAR technologies enable detailed measurements of tree height, canopy density, stem diameter, and even understory vegetation, allowing for a more precise understanding of forest composition and health. By capturing data at a...

TreeAI4Species Data Science Competition is a global challenge to develop innovative algorithms for identifying tree species using high-resolution aerial imagery. This competition is an opportunity for data scientists, researchers, and AI practitioners to push the boundaries of remote sensing and AI applications in forestry. The results of this competition will contribute to the development of scalable,...

AIM & OBJECTIVES We are opening a call for participants of the Interdisciplinary Summer School on Forest Ecosystems 2025. It is already the third year in a row where we are planning to do a summer school where multiple COST Actions will get together and train a new generation of scientists on how to map,...

Working Groups 2 and 5 Data preparation for Deep learning models Duration: 3 months. Timing: 20 January 2025 (flexible starting). Location: in person Total estimated grant: 4000 euros Description: This STSM Position Grant is important to the WG2 (data fusion) and WP5 (forest ecology) activities. During this STSM the successful candidate will help with the website preparation,...

One focus of the session “Remote Sensing for Forest Applications” at the upcoming European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2025 (EGU25) in Vienna, Austria (27 April – 2 May 2025), will be on the outcomes of the 3DForEcoTech COST Action (www.3dforecotech.eu). Its focus is on developing protocols for data acquisition and processing, fusion for forest inventory...

We are opening a call for a local organizer of the Interdisciplinary Summer School 2025. It is already the third year in a row that we plan to do a summer school where multiple COST Actions will get together and train a new generation of scientists on how to map, monitor and model forest ecosystem...