The RESDiNET project enhances networking activities between research institution in Widening country (Institute of Forest Ecology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, IFE SAS) and top-class counterparts at the EU level (Finnish Geospatial Research Institute, The University of Eastern Finland and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). The project builds on networking for excellence through knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices between involved institutions. The major result will be raising reputation, research profile and attractiveness of IFE SAS. Project implementation will enhance IFE SAS staff management capacities, administrative skills and scientific capabilities in the use of novel remote sensing technologies (RST) in forest disturbance ecology (FDE). The project proposes establishment of initial network and development of a new joint research project in novel RST applications in FDE. Rigorous analyses of severe insect-induced disturbances using novel RST will be carried out in test areas representing different forest and climate types: mountain forests in Slovakia and boreal forests in Finland and Sweden. We will integrate in situ UAV and drone acquired remotely sensed data, existing multitemporal geospatial information and field data, particularly data on bark beetle population density, visible infestation symptoms linked to outbreak phases, and tree physiology parameters measured using electronic dendrometers or sapflow meters. The combined dataset will be used to develop new tools for landscape-level early bark beetle attack identification and for designing bark beetle infestation risk assessment model. We will draw on the latest advances in drone technologies and image analytical tools, including deep Convolutional Neural Networks based machine learning techniques and Artificial Intelligence algorithms. We expect to obtain important scientific results and contribute new knowledge to this scientific field.
Workpakages
Project Management
The WP aims for the effective and coordinated development of the planned work with smooth cooperation between partners to secure and maximize impact.
Establishment of initial network for novel remote sensing technologies in forest disturbance ecology and new European level project preparation
The WP aims establishment and strengthens the network through experience and knowledge exchange among the network participants and by gaining new relevant skills among network participants at workshops and training courses.
Proposed workshop titles are:
- Advances in new sensors and data processing development related to forest disturbance ecology;
- The use of novel remote sensing techniques for insect attack risk assessment;
- The use of remote sensing data in forest disturbance ecology;
- The use of remote sensing for study of bark beetle outbreaks.
An important part of the WP is preparing a new joint research project in the area of novel remote sensing technologies applications in forest disturbance ecology.
Strengthening research management capacities and administrative skills at Institute of Forest Ecology
The WP aims to strengthen the skills in:
- mastering distinct technical skills and management approaches required to successfully implement scientific projects at early, middle, and final stages;
- enhancing skills in scientific project risk management, extending an array of best practices in dealing with unforeseen circumstances;
- upgrading skills in human, information, financial and material resource and time management;
- managing ongoing projects.
Training of research skills in the field of novel remote sensing technologies in forest disturbance ecology
The WP aims to provide training for researchers and PhD students in the project:
- Long-term training in the use of remote sensing data in forest disturbance ecology
- Training in the use of machine learning techniques in remote sensing
- Training in scientific writing
- Training in forest disturbance modelling
Research of host tree – bark beetle interactions with the use of novel remote sensing technologies
WP focuses on the main research fields of forest disturbance ecology needed for the mitigation of climate change effects in mountain forest and boreal forest systems:
- Harmonization of methodology for field campaigns and data, serving as ground truth for remote sensing campaigns.
- Development of novel remote sensing methods for a survey of forest health under different climatic conditions and knowledge share of different statuses of bark beetle infestations and forest management options.
- Development of efficient risk modeling tools for abiotic and biotic disturbance agents and their dispersal at variable spatial and temporal scales.
- Parallel use of knowledge and databases to improve survey methods, and forest and pest management means with regard to disturbances for adaptation purposes under future climate.
Dissemination and outreach activities
WP covers project communication and defines the communication, dissemination and result in exploitation strategy during the project.