This year marks a decade since Scion, now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, adopted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a research tool to enable more effective forest management.
A pioneer in the field of UAV research, Scion bought its first drone in February 2015. Since then, UAVs have become a key way to capture aerial data for use in high-definition mapping and monitoring of forests. They’re also used for 3D modelling, sample collection, sub-canopy data captures and various types of imaging across multiple programmes.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute has Civil Aviation Authority Part 102 higher-tier certification, which enables it to undertake UAV activity outside what standard operational licences allow.
Scientist Robin Hartley said UAVs add a lot of value to the institute’s research.
“We regularly capture high-definition LIDAR for measuring trees. We can get ultra-high-resolution maps of stands and trials, we are capturing spectral and thermal data to understand more about tree physiology remotely, and we’re working with companies to develop UAV spray systems specific to forestry needs," said Hartley.
“We’re also exploring niche areas such as sub-canopy flying for characterising stem and branch structure and collecting upper canopy samples."
The autonomous systems team has worked with industry over the past 10 years to enable them to adopt UAV technologies.
“There is plenty of potential for UAVs to be used for other purposes within research and commercial forest management, too, such as forest inventory, phenotyping and manual applications such as spraying and planting."
It all started in 2012, when research group leader and scientist David Pont was monitoring the development of UAVs and miniaturised laser scanning technologies. By 2015, a commercially available scanner had been matched to a drone from Aeronavics, a New Zealand-based UAV company working with the Hollywood film industry.
At the time, a geomatics team was being formed at Scion, comprising scientists with airborne LiDAR expertise. The team bought a state-of-the-art LidarPod weighing 3kg and ordered the largest UAV they could find to carry it. This UAV provided a modern way to laser scan forest stands.
The industry took notice as the technology developed. Several forestry companies have since invested in trials and built in-house UAV capacity. The strong industry adoption was highlighted in a 2020 study that showed 83 percent of forestry companies in New Zealand use UAVs to capture aerial imagery.
The team also helped set up the Tools for Foresters (TFF) industry initiative, which connects researchers and foresters using UAVs in forests to share research, knowledge and resources. This helps enhance UAV technology development and encourages the adoption of these tools.
Michael Wilson, inventory manager at Timberlands, said Scion’s work with UAVs over the past decade has helped shape how his company uses the technology in forest management operations.
“Scion’s work helped us see what was possible with drone technology, from precision aerial mapping to advanced canopy analysis and gave us the confidence to invest in UAVs ourselves. It’s hard to imagine modern forest management without them now," said Wilson.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute continues to work with forest managers to develop systems that are relevant and cost-effective.
“A recent survey showed a 20 percent increase across some key UAV uses that have been developed and promoted through TFF,” added Hartley.
The institute’s autonomous systems team is focused on advancing techniques for the capture and use of LiDAR, photogrammetry and thermal and multi-spectral imagery.
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