Geographers from Altai State University make digital maps for forest conservation

The development of scientists from the Institute of Geography can save forests in different regions of Russia. An interview with the author of the project “Digitalization of forestry complexes for the purpose of rational environmental management”, a teacher of the Department of Physical Geography and Geographic Information Systems of INGEO of Altai State University Lyudmila Dolgacheva was published in the latest issue of the newspaper “For Science”.

Now forestry data and maps are significantly outdated, some have not been updated since the 70-s of the 20th century. The situation on a real forest plot and on paper is different. Gone are the days when maps were printed on A3 sheets and glued together.

The project of Altai State University researchers aims to help introduce digital technologies into forestry. The team consists of young scientists, graduate students, undergraduates, and students. At the customer's request, project developers can calculate any data using satellite images. For example, a landlord can use a smartphone to see exactly what area he is on, what kind of forest is around, how healthy it is, how many damaged trees are around, and much more. Based on this information, informed management decisions are made.

In addition, geographers from Altai State University will help to identify the species composition of plantings, clarify the area, configuration of maintenance buildings on the territory, and so on. And if necessary, go to the site to verify the data. Someone may need climatic characteristics of an area or mapping the migration routes of animals for hunting grounds.

At the moment, scientists have already processed digital cartographic data from the forestry complex of the Kamensky forestry of Altai Krai, divided areas according to the predominant species, and identified areas with damaged plantings.

The team is ready to conduct long-term monitoring of forestry in Altai Krai and other constituent entities of the Russian Federation, as well as take part in various forums and exhibitions, including at the interregional level.

Currently, Altai State University geographers are establishing partnerships with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of Altai Krai, the Ministry of Agriculture of Altai Krai, and the Department of Hunting.