With the passage of time and observed environmental changes, the people of our planet are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of forests. They are exposed to many harmful factors, which in turn requires us to consciously manage our forest lands. That's why aerial drone imagery is extremely important for forestry entrepreneurs - the visual assessment from above alone makes it possible to monitor forest areas quickly and easily. Inspection by drone allows foresters to avoid traveling long distances in difficult conditions, and many important issues can be observed by analyzing the situation in front of a monitor screen.

Drone surveillance - RGB digital cameras

Measuring distance or area is then just a few clicks on an orthophoto in photogrammetric software. Drone photogrammetry allows you to select a polygon or polyline of interest, and the system automatically provides the results. It is also possible to use photopoints (GCP's) to reduce calculation errors and obtain precise data. A point cloud or numerical land cover model makes it easier:

• Modeling stand growth,
• Determining the degree of defoliation and boning,
• Estimating damage caused by abiotic and biotic factors,
• Spatial information system updates (e.g., Forest Numerical Map),
• detecting downy (dead trees).

All this using a drone with a digital RGB camera made by Fotoacc, making drone monitoring an effective and precise tool in forest management.

Multispectral and thermal imaging measurements

There are even more benefits from a drone raid with a multispectral or thermal imaging camera, during which images are recorded in different light ranges, including near-infrared. Based on the reflections from the tree crowns, it is possible to assess the condition of the stands and their transpiration levels. Data obtained in this way allow:

• Detecting and identifying areas infected by fungi, pests and parasites, such as the spurge bark beetle and mistletoe,
• Monitoring weakened stands and identifying those that require intervention,
• Typing dry places at risk of fires,
• Conducting inspections of burnt areas and detecting micro-fires,
• game inventory.

As a result, drones in forestry support optimal decision-making, which helps reduce logging and minimize losses. Drones that drop a biological agent, such as buckthorn, are used to control pests such as star wasp.

Why drones in particular?

Forestry drones have several advantages over other data acquisition methods, such as satellite or aircraft imagery:

• Higher resolution (up to 1 cm/pixel),
• Lower operating costs, especially in smaller areas,
• The possibility of imaging on portals such as Euprawa,
• No limitations due to cloud cover, which affects satellite imaging.

In conclusion, modern forest management is increasingly using drones for forest surveys. In the future, the development of algorithms to automate the calculation of tree crowns or pinpoint those infected with mistletoe or bark beetle could further improve this technology.

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