A team of researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have developed a new method to assess forest damage caused by hurricanes. Dr. Carlos Silva, an assistant professor at UF/IFAS and director of the Forest Biometrics and Remote Sensing Lab, led the development of this innovative technology using lasers and artificial intelligence.
Silva recognized the need for a faster and more efficient way to evaluate forest damage, especially in Florida where hurricanes are a common occurrence. Traditionally, assessing hurricane damage in forests involved physically going into the field, establishing plots, and measuring trees. However, with remote-sensing methods and AI technology, Silva’s team was able to develop a new method that is more accurate and timely.
The team utilized NASA satellites and lidar technology to scan trees on the ground. Lidar uses pulsed lasers to measure distances and gather data while ground scanners attached to backpacks and all-terrain vehicles were also used to collect additional data. By combining information from these sources, the team was able to create three-dimensional maps of forests before and after hurricanes.
These maps are available online for anyone to access, offering a valuable resource for individuals