Responsible forest management involves a deep and intuitive understanding of the land, including the condition of its ground and trees. More forest technicians are drawing on advancements in technology to aid in this endeavor. Drones, in particular, have grown in popularity and provide several significant advantages that have elevated the way professionals approach their properties. Here’s what you should know.

What Are Some Forestry Management Challenges? 

Maintaining active, healthy forests requires periodic surveys of the land at large. It’s not uncommon for managers to conduct these inspections visually or by using satellite imagery. While both methods provide some degree of information, the findings are often inaccurate at best.

For example, it’s difficult to navigate and sample thick forests entirely on foot. It’s also a highly time-consuming process and may not provide complete, valuable information that affects meaningful change for the forest’s health. Satellites cannot discern between different types of trees and other agricultural elements, and cloud cover can sully the images at times.

What Drone Technology Involves

By contrast, drone technology provides more reliable information, richer insight, and deeper analysis of the ground. Unlike a satellite, the drone can map out the many individual components that make up a forest, along with specific tree counts, for more accurate assessment of the entire space.

It can even assist in evaluating the health of greenery and any existing damage, alerting forest technicians to changes in fertilization they may need to make. Advanced drones equipped with thermal cameras may even be able to detect fire threats by monitoring the device’s temperature.

Why It Is So Advantageous

The more information that a forest technician has, the better equipped they will be to protect their land and help it thrive. Drones can supply valuable guidance, such as the need to thin out an area of overgrowth or clean an especially unkempt spot in the aftermath of a storm. They can even detect pest and disease outbreaks early, which gives land management professionals enough time to correct the problem before it spreads.

The forest technicians and foresters at Neeley Forestry Services have the best interests of your land at heart. Based in Camden, AR, the land management company offers a variety of services, including timber appraisals, forest planning, and hunting leases. Visit them online to learn more about how they can help your land thrive, or call them at (870) 836-5981.