Finland is number one in forest artificial intelligence and Joensuu is its lodestar

Finland is the only country in the world whose forests have been mapped down to every single tree, stump and stem. When there is enough data, artificial intelligence can help prevent forest fires and wildfires, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve biodiversity.

Through the ages, forests have been a source of support and security for Finland: they not only serve as an economic guarantee and the driving force of Finnish society, they also offer a spiritual landscape. However, there is no thick spruce stand or remote wilderness in Finland that artificial intelligence has not found. Indeed, Finland is the only country in the world whose forests have been mapped down to nearly every single tree. Soon, even twice over.

Laser scanning of forests is a way to map what lies within. In practice, laser scanning involves remote sensing with drones and airships, among others. It enables artificial intelligence to analyse and describe in greater detail the types and locations of forests in Finland, what has been done in them over time and what should be done – or not done – in the future.

Even before laser scanning, Finnish forests have been relatively well mapped. Surveys conducted on foot by human means can only achieve a fraction of the accuracy with which modern technology maps forests. For example, Joensuu has played a key role in the development of forest surveys, serving as a pioneer of research, education and development in the forest sector.

Read the whole story: Finland is number one in forest artificial intelligence and Joensuu is its lodestar - Innokaupungit

 

Joensuu is one of the InnoCities. The key areas of development in the city’s innovation activities are forest bioeconomy and photonics.

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