Drone Use in Forestry 2021

Abstract

In the last 20 years, advancements in technology, such as remote sensing, have facilitated improvements in forest management. The utilization of one remote sensing tool, in particular, an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), has been gaining popularity in recent years. Drones provide an inexpensive alternative to aerial photos from a manned aircraft, providing quick access to high-resolution imagery, increased efficiency, reduced human risk, as well as a variety of other benefits. While there are many advantages to the use of drones in forestry and forest management, there are also limitations. These limitations are apparent when trying to apply methodologies across varying terrains, species compositions, and economic scales. Nevertheless, more people in forestry are beginning to explore the use of drones in forest management. In order to gain insight into the status and limitations of drone use in forest management in 2021, a nationwide survey targeted to those in forest management was developed and distributed. Ultimately the goal of this study is to provide a baseline for understanding how this technology is currently being used in forest management and to identify areas for improvement that may lead to greater utilization.