Recent Applications of Smart Technologies for Monitoring the Sustainability of Forest Operations

Abstract

Precision forestry is a useful technique to help forest stakeholders with proper sustainable forest management. Modern sensors and technologies, with special reference to the sustainability of forest operations, can be applied on a variety of levels, including the monitoring of forest activities regarding the three pillars (economy, environment, and society). In this review, we summarised the current level of knowledge regarding the use of precision forestry techniques for monitoring forest operations. We concentrated on recent data from the last five years (2019–2023). We demonstrated how an Industry 4.0 strategy for remote and proximal monitoring of working performance can be effective when using CAN-bus and StanForD data collected by modern forest machines. The same information can be effectively used to create maps of soil trafficability and to evaluate the patterns of skid tracks or strip roads built as a result of forest intervention. Similar information can be gathered in the case of small-scale forestry by using GNSS-RF (Global Navigation Satellite Systems—Radio Frequency) or even monitoring systems based on smartwatches or smartphones. LiDAR and Structure for Motion (SfM) photogrammetry are both useful tools for tracking soil rutting and disturbances caused by the passage of forest machinery. SfM offers denser point clouds and a more approachable method, whereas laser scanning can be considerably faster but needs a more experienced operator and better data-processing skills. Finally, in terms of the social component of sustainability, the use of location sharing technologies is strongly advised, based for instance on GNSS—RF to monitor the security of forest workers as they operate.

Unveiling the Influence of Climate and Technology on Forest Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese Provinces

“…Similarly, the forest-based investment (Tech2) is significantly positive to escalate the FE of the Chinese province by 0.0334%. These findings can be robust with Venanzi et al (2023) [52], who argued that technology can be effective in improving the efficiency of forests by managing and monitoring forest activity. Further, El-Lakany et al (2001) [53] backed our study findings as they highlighted that technological developments have had a constructive impact on forest areas and conditions.…”

Evaluating an Innovative ICT System for Monitoring Small-Scale Forest Operations: Preliminary Tests in Mediterranean Oak Coppices

“…Precision forestry is defined as the use of contemporary technology, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Geographic Information Systems (GISs), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and a variety of sensors, to enhance the overall sustainability of forest management [12][13][14]. It is one of the most powerful tools for addressing the target of Sustainable Forest Management [15][16][17].…”

A Hydraulic Online Monitoring System for Forestry Harvesters Based on LabVIEW

“…Precision forestry is rapidly evolving as a result of the continuous advancement of modern measurement and control technology [1]. In precision forestry, the monitoring of harvesting operations using smart technologies is referred to as precision forestry harvesting [2]. Harvesters are key machines for forest harvesting operations, and their operational efficiency, environmental impact, and operational safety affect the economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability of forest harvesting operations [1][2][3][4].…”

“…In precision forestry, the monitoring of harvesting operations using smart technologies is referred to as precision forestry harvesting [2]. Harvesters are key machines for forest harvesting operations, and their operational efficiency, environmental impact, and operational safety affect the economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability of forest harvesting operations [1][2][3][4]. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize advanced electronic systems and measurement and control instruments to monitor harvester operations and obtain reliable data on harvester operations.…”