Breakthrough in Forest Mapping: Arkansas Researcher Pioneers High-Resolution Methodology
Hamdi Zurqani, an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has achieved a significant milestone in forest mapping by creating the first high-resolution forest canopy cover dataset for an entire state.
This groundbreaking accomplishment provides valuable insights for forest management and conservation, which are crucial for environmental sustainability and economic growth. Forests cover 57% of Arkansas, with timber being one of the state’s top commodities, generating around 9 million in cash farm receipts annually.
Zurqani’s innovative approach leverages machine learning techniques and the Google Earth Engine, utilizing high-resolution National Agriculture Imagery Program aerial imagery. This methodology yields a 1-meter spatial resolution, significantly more detailed than the standard 30-meter resolution used in prior mapping endeavors.
The high-resolution data makes it possible to accurately track forest health, monitor canopy cover, and identify vulnerable areas, ultimately enhancing forest conservation efforts. This precise mapping also aids in wildfire risk assessments, urban planning, and pest management.
Zurqani envisions expanding this pioneering approach to include other states and regions, which could fundamentally change the landscape of forest management globally. His findings have been published in the journal Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, marking a critical step toward a more precise and sustainable future for forestry.
