NASA experts will be among hundreds of remote sensing specialists from 30 countries that will descend on Rotorua, New Zealand, next month for ForestSAT 2024, the world’s top conference on remote sensing technologies for forest monitoring and modelling.
Wood Central understands that the September 9 to 13 event will be the first time that ForestSAT has been held in Australasia, and is already attracting more than 300 global remote sensing specialists from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Spain, the UK, and the USA.
According to Dr Henri Bailleres, Scion’s General Manager for Forests to Timber Products, the conference is a perfect opportunity for researchers and practitioners to hear from international experts already using the technology to shape the future of forests and timber products.
“The diverse representation underscores the conference’s global appeal and role as a critical platform for addressing international forest monitoring challenges using advanced remote sensing and geospatial technologies.”
For Dr Bailleres, the presence of NASA experts provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Trans Tasman users of remote sensing technology to engage with the world’s top tech audiences. They are now using remote sensing to monitor the world’s forests from space.
“There will not be a better time to connect with people who are leaders in their field, so we encourage everyone to view the programme and register now to avoid missing out.”
Dr Henri Bailleres, Scion’s General Manager for Forests to Timber Products
Across the world, precision forestry is now helping forest owners and managers realise new value across the supply chain. In New Zealand alone, the Ministry for Primary Industries anticipates that the value of forest product exports will reach $6.59 billion in 2024.
With the Luxon government eyeing forest products to expand Brand NZ, Scion said it is accepted that progress will accelerate with support from research, innovation and new smart technologies.
Wood Central understands that the information presented at ForestSAT will highlight the transformative potential of geospatial technology in forestry. Workshops will also include practical applications so attendees can learn how new and advanced tools and techniques can be integrated into everyday forestry operations.
The five-day programme spans 37 sessions.
The programme, which spans 37 sessions, covers general topics such as precision forestry, terrestrial laser scanning, and forest health, as well as more specialised research relating to forestry big data and deep learning, virtual reality in forestry, and forest spectroscopy.
Participants will also have the chance to engage with leading scientists and renowned experts from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute, and the United States and Canadian Forest Services.
According to Scion’s Principal Scientist, Dr Michael Watt is a leading expert in the field, and as ForestSAT 2024 chair, the conference is shaping up to be an unmissable event. “With more than 230 science presentations and 60 posters, there will be something for everyone.”
“The workshops will be packed with value for forestry professionals, including real-world geospatial solutions that will help them tackle challenges in the field,” Dr Watt said. Participants will also gain hands-on experience with Google Earth Engine (GEE), a leading cloud-based geospatial data platform.”
- To learn more, visit the dedicated ForestSAT website.
