Mapping the Green Urban Environment

A pioneering project in Poland has proved that aerial mapping, combined with Lidar technology, can be an invaluable tool for accurately mapping the green urban environment. In fact, the new, cost-effective method has been extended to encompass the country’s entire tree population. This article highlights the groundbreaking project by MGGP Aero. The company has achieved remarkable results by using advanced computer algorithms to identify and elegantly reconstruct numerous tree species from hyperspectral images. Additionally, the use of Lidar enabled multiple applications including measuring and visualizing crown height and mapping biomass.

Trees are of crucial significance to life on Earth, so it is important to gather as much information and insights about them as possible. They provide shade and can cool the air by 2 to 8°C, so strategically placed trees can be excellent natural air conditioners in cities. Mature trees can absorb up to 150kg of carbon dioxide per year, and also absorb other polluting gases such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Moreover, trees remove particulate matter from the air by trapping them in their leaves and bark, leading to cleaner and healthier air in urban areas.

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