Vegetation mapping & management services
Blom offers a wide range of services related to vegetation mapping and forest inventory. We have a team of skilled forest engineers that use advanced forestry modeling to obtain highly accurate information about volumes of timber, carbon stock evaluation, carbon emission rights calculation and biological assets value. In addition Blom has developed a unique automatic segmentation procedure based on aerial laser scanning (LiDAR). Using advanced remote-sensing techniques offers new possibilities and applications in forestry. One example is the elevation model of vegetation, which indicates the amount of vegetation and tree height in the forest. These forest characteristics can be monitored and assessed on a regular basis. By these means, Blom provides unique and essential information to Administration Environmental Departments, forest managers, forest owners, investors and any other stakeholders of the forestry sector.
Our vegetation management products include:
- Vegetation change analysis
- Vegetation analysis in residential areas
- Forest inventory
- Crop examination
- Tree canopy assessment
- Utility management
- Biomass and carbon stocks
FOREST INVENTORY
Blom has an inventory of forests based on remote sensing techniques. Based on data from aerial laser scanning, photogrammetry, and data from the local surveys can supply a detailed inventory of forest types on the basis of individual species. The characteristics are estimated for each type of tree. Each type of tree is determined by the average diameter, average height, number of strains, area and volume.
Inventory of trees is based on segmentation of individual strains of the laser data in high resolution. Prediction of properties of growth is derived from measurements of the position, height, type and crown size of individual trees. All other variables are derived from these basic characteristics and data from field surveys. Species type is determined either from digital aerial photography or from the laser data structure.
Aerial laser scanning is an excellent tool for measuring changes in vegetation height and density and biomass in order to determine the precise biophysical parameters of forest stands. They can determine the height of the trees, area, diameter distribution of strains, strain numbers, species composition, wood volume and carbon stocks.
VEGETATION AND CROP STRUCTURE IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Using the spectral characteristics of digital aerial imagery and laser scanning data, we can prepare an overview of vegetation in cities and densely populated areas. Based on experience, we can model and create a list of all the trees with their height, size and type of wood. All trees are displayed in 3D and can be visualized. This data can be used by various government institutions, private institutions and institutions responsible for urban planning to document the current state, for planning further development and analysis, such as urban studies, noise maps, local air pollution, etc.
UTILITIES MANAGEMENT
Using laser scanning data for the purposes of determining the hazardous vegetation and its subsequent removal from the pipeline and buffer zones of high and very high voltage has become a commonly used effective and precise method. In combination with existing map data and digital images Blom can provide accurate analysis of the current situation with regard to the maintenance of protection zones. Based on our experience we can deliver the models of future vegetation growth, to determine the trees, which could endanger the network in case of falling, and that could allows the processing of a detailed maintenance plan for several years in advance. Using our knowledge, we provide the total amount of wood that will have to be cut down.
BIOMASS AND CARBON STOCKS
Based on the combination of data from field research, biomass and laser scanning data, we are able to determine with precision the total amount of carbon stocks. It is also possible to track the types of trees to determine the ability of forests to store carbon in live and dead biomass. System of a combination of satellite and aerial images with laser scanning data gives promising results for evaluation and monitoring of carbon stocks. Blom is providing these types of analysis and several countries have already implemented projects in this area.