Page 16 - Georgia Forestry - Issue2 - Spring 2018
P. 16
Above the Flames
Technology provides a
new look at forest structure and fire dynamics
Story by Kevin Hiers, Scott Pokswinski, Brian Wiebler and Eric Rowell
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is responsible for major advances in forest inventory, archaeology, geology, and other disciplines. Researchers participating in the Prescribed Fire Science Consortium are now leveraging this and other emerging technology to reveal unprecedented details of forest structure to
improve wildfire research and prescribed fire planning.
While the technology is currently expensive, research results will be
applicable to help forest owners make management decisions on their property as similar tools are already becoming more affordable.
CASEY TESKE
CASEY TESKE
Top: Tall Timbers Wildland Fire Scientist Kevin Hiers walks the fire break during a research project with the Prescribed Fire Science Consortium. Above: Researchers participating in the Prescribed Fire Science Consortium capitalize on the frequent use of fire in southwest Georgia to collect data on fuels and fire behavior.
14 | GEORGIA FORESTRY
