INTEGRATING SPACE TECHNOLOGY INTO FOREST MANAGEMENT

Our forests are one of the world's most important renewable resources. Forests are under pressure for multiple uses and these demands are constantly appearing in the media. This negative media is not because resource managers are neglecting multi-use management, but because to deal with the increasing complexities they require better tools. The integration of satellite imagery, GPS, GIS, and advanced computer modeling techniques into natural resource management provide managers with the tools to better adapt to the dynamic, multi-use management complexities of our forests. This technology provides the power to model quantitatively, describe the resource, and objectively analyze the multiple demands of the resource in almost real time. For instances, the SRSC has developed the methodology and technology to map southern pines into three height classes and hardwoods into merchantable and pre-merchantable classes. Techniques are being developed to estimate tree height, elevation, and crown ratio using an airborne radar and digital videography system.