Precision Forestry

The U.S. Southern forest industry has a $250 billion economic impact and accounts for 2% of all regional jobs. Specifically, Georgia’s forest industry makes a $40 billion economic impact by harvesting approximately 50 million tons of wood annually. In collaboration with the UGA Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business, part of the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, our initial research focus is on the southeastern United States, which accounts for 60% of the timber harvested in the U.S. and produces essential and sustainable products such as lumber, paper and bioenergy.

UGA expertise in this area comprises high-resolution remote-sensing technology and computing algorithms to generate tools that can be used in the forest industry for quantification, monitoring and decision-making throughout the various stages of wood production. Another area of research is focused on timber harvesting and its operations, supply chain management, transportation and logistics.

Together, UGA researchers are combining their expertise to generate practical solutions for business owners and agencies actively engaged in forest operations that will aid in efficiency, profitability and environmental sustainability.