Wake Forest Maps 1,000 Trees
A drone-collected 300 million data points reveals a 109ft tall willow oak as the campus' tallest tree in a new 3D map
A drone laser scan project at Wake Forest University has successfully mapped over 1,000 trees across a 90-acre campus, producing a publicly accessible 3D digital map. The project, led by Ovidiu Csillik, an assistant professor of remote sensing, involved seven teams of students on foot and one drone, which collected 300 million laser data points.
The project was a collaborative effort between multiple departments, including the biology department, the Office of Sustainability, and the campus arborist. Students in Csillik's 'Drones for Environmental Applications' class flew unmanned aircraft over campus, following a grid pattern to stitch together a complete picture of the tree canopy.
The resulting map is highly detailed, allowing users to click on individual trees to view their location, common name, and height. The map also shows the name of each species, such as southern magnolia or Kwanzan cherry, and a larger dot indicates a taller tree. The tallest tree on campus is a willow oak behind Winston Hall, reaching nearly 109 feet.
The project has helped the university earn international accreditation as a Level II arboretum, a significant achievement for the institution. The accreditation is a testament to the university's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
## What the project means The project has not only produced a valuable resource for the university but also provided students with hands-on experience in remote sensing and drone technology. Students involved in the project earned a remote-pilot certification to fly the drones, and the data collected will be used to inform future sustainability initiatives on campus.
The university's campus covers 350 acres, and the new inventory currently covers 90 acres in the central area. The project demonstrates the potential of drone technology in environmental applications and highlights the importance of collaboration between different departments and stakeholders.
## Why it matters The project matters because it showcases the potential of technology in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. The 3D digital map will be a valuable resource for the university, allowing administrators to make informed decisions about tree maintenance and sustainability initiatives. The project also highlights the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in achieving significant outcomes.
The success of the project has significant implications for the future of sustainability initiatives on campus. With the data collected, the university can develop more effective strategies for maintaining and expanding its tree canopy, which will have a positive impact on the environment and the community.
