AI and LIDAR Revolutionizing Forestry on the Colorado Plateau
In a groundbreaking initiative at Northern Arizona University, a team led by Andrew Sánchez Meador is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and LIDAR technology to transform forest management on the Colorado Plateau. This innovative approach employs AI models and LIDAR, a technique that uses laser beams from aircraft to create detailed ‘point cloud’ maps of forested areas.
Convolutional neural networks, a type of AI designed to interpret visual data, are being trained to decipher these point clouds. The AI’s tasks include identifying different tree species and assessing the overall forest structure, a crucial capability for effective forest management.
One of the primary testing grounds for this AI application spans 3,000 acres of mixed coniferous forest on the Mogollon Rim, near the Blue Ridge Reservoir. This strategic location, at the headwaters of the Salt and Verde Rivers, plays a vital role in forest thinning, restoration, and water quality management efforts.
The AI’s ability to distinguish between the seven tree species in the area, such as the often-confused Douglas fir and White fir, is already impressive, boasting an accuracy rate exceeding 90%. This level of precision is noteworthy given the challenges even seasoned observers face in differentiating these species on the ground.
Once an AI model is trained in a specific area, researchers employ a method known as ‘transfer learning’ to enhance its accuracy in new forested regions. This strategy allows the AI to refine its identification skills and adapt to recognizing different tree species.
Looking forward, experts predict that within the next decade, AI models could significantly streamline forest inventory processes. This advancement would enable rapid, cost-effective, and large-scale assessments of forested landscapes, even in remote areas, surpassing the capabilities of traditional ground-based surveys.
This report was crafted by Diane Hope and produced by KNAU in collaboration with the Sustainable Communities Program at Northern Arizona University.
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