Technology:
Smart forestry that utilizes
information technology to forestry is growing widespread. Sumitomo Forestry has
decided to exert more energy in forest management consulting in alliance with
Nakanihon Air Service and a data analysis firm. Laser beams are irradiates form
a helicopter to know the number of trees and forest density, and data and
photos are analyzed constantly. A database is constructed and submitted to
local governments to help them formulate guidelines for their forest management
policies. Using Geographical Information
System (GIS) is also increasing popular. The University of Tokyo started to survey
using GIS with Jitsuta that is a survey company in Matsuyama of Shikoku. With
the help of 3D scan system, they measure the number and figure of trees with
three times more operating efficiency than in the past. Kamaishi Forest Owner’s Association actually used this system and found that the data amount increased
three to four times bigger than in the past. The system currently costs 180,000
yen per hectare, but the cost is expected to go down as it grows more
popular.
Japanese
forest land is 25 million hectare, and the volume of wood is 4.9 billion cubic
meters that is 20% bigger as compared with that of 10 years ago. The number of forest
workers was about 70,000 people, about 30% smaller than in 1990. Smart forestry
is expected to make up for the decrease of forest workers. Iwafuji Industrial
developed a system to several trees simultaneously using wires. This system increased
the transportable amount of trees from 300,000 cubic meters to 500,000 cubic
meters per day.
What is smart forestry?
High school students are learning about forestry.
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