Tech giant Meta (formerly Facebook) along with the non-profit organization World Resources Institute launched a global map of tree canopy height at an unprecedented 1-meter resolution using high-resolution satellite imagery and cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. The open-source model can estimate canopy height from satellite images as well as aerial data. This advancement enables the detection of single trees globally, aiding in better monitoring and understanding of forest ecosystems.
New data layer on Restor Last week, Restor announced that it had added the latest data layer incorporating the AI model to map global tree heights. The new high-resolution data layer empowers all the users to effectively manage their forest ecosystem. They can pinpoint tall canopies within protected areas, enhancing accuracy and trust for project funding.
“As part of our mission to make scientific insights more accessible to the global restoration movement, we've integrated the latest global tree canopy layer from Meta and WRI into Restor. This public dataset provides a global estimation of tree canopy height, and, despite some data limitations (particularly due to persistent cloud cover and tiling artifacts), it's a valuable resource for global tree cover mapping. We are hoping that training data and models will improve in the future to provide better ways to estimate environmental, biodiversity, and carbon variables at higher spatial resolution and better temporal consistency. This dataset among others is a step in that direction” Olga Danylo, Technical Product Manager
The foundational AI model built by WRI and Meta can analyze satellite and aerial images and estimate canopy height per pixel in the input image. Image courtesy of Meta and WRI.
The foundational AI model built by WRI and Meta can analyze satellite and aerial images and estimate canopy height per pixel in the input image. Image courtesy of Meta and WRI.
What does it mean for Restor users? All Restor users are able to better analyze and communicate the forests they are managing or protecting. It is a huge value add for Restor users to have the ability to detect individual trees at a global scale and establish above ground biomass baselines for their site locations. Canopy height is an important indicator of forest biomass, biodiversity richness and aboveground carbon stock. Being able to see an increase in canopy height over time can serve as evidence to measure the progress of forests and that forest restoration efforts have been successful.
“This groundbreaking tool revolutionizes how we perceive and interact with forest landscapes globally. By mapping tree heights with such precision, we empower communities, conservationists, businesses, and governments to monitor and enhance their restoration efforts with unprecedented accuracy and scale. This new data layer on Restor not only deepens our understanding of global forest ecosystems but also amplifies our collective capacity to advocate for and implement effective restoration strategies. It’s another significant step forward in leveraging technology for environmental stewardship” Thomas Elliott, CEO of Restor
With additional context about on-the-ground realities, nature stewards and environmentally minded organizations can better assess, manage, and monitor projects for potential investment and funding.
Written by Restor Communications
Published in
Community stories
on
May 8, 2024
Support Restor’s Mission
Stories like these give us tremendous hope. Restor has hundreds of nature conservation projects that you can read about and support. If you like what you read, support Restor’s global efforts to protect and restore nature for the benefit of people, biodiversity, and climate. Our thanks to you!
