Our Project

The project goal is to derive a recommendation for a tree species composition which is adapted to the changing climate and local conditions in Germany.

Canopy Height Model

1. Analysis of high resolution aerial digital ortho photos (DOPs)

  • a) Development of a deep learning based method for single tree detection and crown delineation
  • b) Development of a method for estimating local species composition
  • c) Application of (a) and (b) to all NFI plots for which appropriate imagery is available.

2. Analysis of Copernicus satellite time series data:

  • a) Extraction of geometrically and atmospherically corrected satellite image time series from the Copernicus archive
  • b) Development of a training dataset containing species annotations and multi-temporal imagery,using the high resolution data created in (1). This database should be published.
  • c) Development of a deep-learning based method for estimating tree species proportions at pixellevel, using time series data.
  • d) Application of (c) to obtain the first tree species map of Germany.

3. Derivation of a recommendation for a climate- and stand condition adapted species composition.

Expected results:

  • A tree species composition map for entire Germany, covering the most dominant species
  • Resilience indicator map
  • Map showing tree species distribution adapted to site conditions and future climate
  • A set of forest management options that lead to the establishment of stable forest ecosystems