About us

Areas within Forest Remote Sensing

We conduct research and development related to the remote sensing of forests and other terrestrial vegetation, continuous environmental monitoring—primarily the production of national maps—teaching in remote sensing and GIS, and providing support for SLU’s GIS operations. Our work typically involves laser-based distance measurements, electro-optical sensors (including digital cameras), and imaging radar.

Traditionally, sensors have been carried by satellites, aircraft, or drones. Increasingly, we also use sensors placed on the ground or on vehicles to capture side-view images of trees. Remote sensing methods can provide detailed geographic data for forest planning, ranging from measurements of individual trees and within-stand variation to national-scale analyses. The collected information about vegetation is also used for nature conservation and ecologically oriented research.

A common approach is first to process remote sensing data using various image analysis methods and then, supported by reference data from field inventories, to estimate the type and quantity of vegetation. Information on changes is obtained by analysing data from multiple time points. Methods that combine projections of existing data with new sensor data are expected to become increasingly important.

We also carry out assignments for various government agencies, including needs-specific mapping and environmental monitoring using remote sensing. In addition, the subject area maintains expertise in geographic information systems (GIS).

Are you interested in remote sensing?

Take the opportunity to get in touch with us.

Work with us

We stand for good leadership and teamwork based on mutual responsibility, the sustainable use of expertise, open communication and participation, creativity, and diversity.

Collaborate with us

An important part of our activities is maintaining strong connections with the international research community in our field, as well as with Swedish stakeholders. We collaborate with a variety of research institutions, government agencies, and companies, including Chalmers University of Technology, FOI, Umeå University, other departments at SLU, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Forest Agency, and various forestry companies. We are always open to new collaboration partners.