Forest Inventories

We carry out forest inventory projects tailored to our clients’ specific needs using modern methods. We carefully review the available background data and consult with the client regarding the use, objectives, and budget related to forest information. Based on this, we select the most suitable method for the assignment.

We perform forest inventories for various purposes in natural forests, commercial forests, and plantations – from tropical zones to northern coniferous forests. Here are a few examples of the methods we use and their applicability:

  • Satellite imagery + field sample plots – ideal for estimating forest biomass and carbon stock as well as monitoring changes over large areas. A cost-effective solution.
  • Aerial photography + LiDAR + field sample plots – enables highly accurate forest structure attributes, such as tree height and diameter. Well-suited for large-scale inventories, including national-level assessments.
  • Drone-based photogrammetric forest measurement + machine learning + field plots – provides a detailed forest map and accurate tree metrics (e.g., height and diameter). This method is easily scalable and cost-efficient.
  • Traditional stand-based field inventory – a classic method that also captures data from understory vegetation. Forest Key’s mobile applications streamline field data collection.

 

Reliable forest data plays a crucial role in both business operations and ESG reporting. We understand the significance of selecting the right method and ensuring data accuracy in different use cases.

Forest Planning

An up-to-date forest plan supports your decision-making and ensures that your goals are achieved. Our extensive experience in the forestry and land use sectors guarantees that your forest is viewed as a whole — without overlooking nature values or emerging land use developments.

We take into account economic, ecological and social perspectives in every forest planning project — whether managing extensive state-owned forest assets, recreational forests of municipalities, private owners’ investment goals, or safeguarding biodiversity.

With a forest plan, you get:

  • An objective overview of your forest assets, including the quantity, quality and value of the growing stock
  • Clear and timely proposals for thinning, harvesting and other silvicultural activities
  • Information on nature values, biodiversity sites, forest health and soil conditions
  • A forecast of future yields and timber volume – including carbon sequestration estimates, if desired
  • Data required for certification and legal compliance, including mapped boundaries and constraints

We are one of the leading forest planning providers in the Nordic countries and serve clients globally. Our customer base includes all types of forest owners — from states and municipalities to forest commons and private individuals.

Forest Strategies

We create forest strategies for large forest owners. Forests are a complex and often difficult-to-define asset class, where the effects of decisions stretch over decades. A carefully crafted forest strategy structures decision-making, supports the management of multiple objectives, and brings desired transparency. It also serves as a valuable tool for continuous monitoring and development.

In our forest strategies, we consider among other things:

  • The client’s overall strategy
  • Financial aspects
  • Environmental goals, such as biodiversity, certification, water protection, and climate change mitigation
  • Recreational values
  • Changes in the operating environment and associated risks
  • Stakeholder engagement in the way the client prefers

Forest Resource Information and Analytics

We analyze all forest-related data to support forest asset management. In dialogue with the customer, we identify ways to process the data for the customer’s benefit. The information we produce can help forest owners improve the profitability of forestry, reduce risks and increase biodiversity.

Examples of analyses:

  • Forest health – we identify forest damage, such as insect damage, tree vitality and damage risk areas, and prepare a plan to support risk management.
  • Multi-objective land use – we analyze which areas are best suited for which land use objective and where different objectives can be combined.
  • The objective of stable logging revenues combined with the variability of the timber market – we prepare scenarios for measures in different market situations.
  • Precision forest management – ​​we delve into the more detailed internal structure of forestry patterns, where we take into account, for example, the variability of the tree stands and soil, water management and light conditions. The result is a precise plan for measures that consider the internal variation of the patterns, including recommendations on conservation tree groups, the location of vehicle paths, and the renewal chain.

Forest Resource Information and Analytics

We analyze all forest-related data to support forest asset management. In dialogue with the customer, we identify ways to process the data for the customer’s benefit. The information we produce can help forest owners improve the profitability of forestry, reduce risks and increase biodiversity.

Examples of analyses:

  • Forest health – we identify forest damage, such as insect damage, tree vitality and damage risk areas, and prepare a plan to support risk management.
  • Multi-objective land use – we analyze which areas are best suited for which land use objective and where different objectives can be combined.
  • The objective of stable logging revenues combined with the variability of the timber market – we prepare scenarios for measures in different market situations.
  • Precision forest management – ​​we delve into the more detailed internal structure of forestry patterns, where we take into account, for example, the variability of the tree stands and soil, water management and light conditions. The result is a precise plan for measures that consider the internal variation of the patterns, including recommendations on conservation tree groups, the location of vehicle paths, and the renewal chain.

Drone Technology

In addition to forest inventory based on field measurements, we innovatively utilize drone technology in the collection of forest resource data. Using photogrammetry and artificial intelligence, we produce accurate tree map-like information that identifies the location, tree species, length and diameter of trees. We have also utilized drone technology in precision forestry, identifying weakened tree individuals, predicting bark beetle damage, and visualizing forest plans.

 

In addition, we have trained over 40 forestry professionals to use drones in their daily work and have provided technical support.

Contact us and let’s discuss how drone technology would benefit your business.

Drone-teknologia

In addition to forest inventory based on field measurements, we innovatively utilize drone technology in the collection of forest resource data. Using photogrammetry and artificial intelligence, we produce accurate tree map-like information that identifies the location, tree species, length and diameter of trees. We have also utilized drone technology in precision forestry, identifying weakened tree individuals, predicting bark beetle damage, and visualizing forest plans.

In addition, we have trained over 40 forestry professionals to use drones in their daily work and have provided technical support.

Contact us and let’s discuss how drone technology would benefit your business.

Consulting

We provide expert consulting to landowners, investors, and insurers on all matters related to forests. Our team combines wide-ranging and in-depth expertise to support your decision-making and long-term forest value.

We offer consulting in areas such as:

  • Independent expert opinions
  • Profitability analysis for forestry investments
  • Risk and damage assessments (e.g. insects, fire, storm, snow)
  • Balancing multiple forest management objectives
  • Forest road planning and advisory
  • Carbon sequestration and carbon market consulting
  • Data management and digital decision support tools
  • Capacity building and training for client personnel
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Sustainability and responsibility advisory