Application of unmanned aerial systems in the forestry industry

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are becoming an important element of the digital transformation of the forestry industry. Drones are currently used in virtually every region of the country, with over 2,000 units in use. By 2030, forestry enterprises are planning to purchase over 5,000 drones under the national project "Unmanned Aerial Systems."

Forest and Logging Area Inventory

Modern drones perform aerial photography and laser scanning, producing accurate orthophotomaps and 3D models of forest plots. These are used to create digital forest maps and accurately estimate timber reserves. The use of UAS significantly reduces time and labor costs compared to traditional ground-based measurements.

Fire Monitoring

Drones enable the rapid detection of fires, even at an early stage, and assess their scale in real time. Thermal maps are captured from the air, helping to adjust ground operations and prevent the spread of fires. Drones are also used for subsequent analysis of the causes and consequences of forest fires.

Combating Illegal Logging

Aerial surveys of hard-to-reach areas enable rapid monitoring of large areas without the need for on-site visits. Drones record suspicious changes in forest cover, as well as the coordinates of equipment and timber storage sites. This data helps promptly identify and document illegal logging.

Forest Pathology Monitoring

Using multispectral cameras, specialists can identify areas with weakened vegetation and disease outbreaks. Drones make it possible to track the spread of pests and diseases and evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken. This improves the accuracy of forest pathology surveys and speeds up decision-making.

In the future, UAS will become a universal tool for forest management—from monitoring the condition of felling sites and the quality of clearing to monitoring infrastructure and locating people in hard-to-reach areas. Their effectiveness depends largely on the development of digital services, satellite communication systems, and the training of qualified operators.