| In this project, a new digital tool for planning and realizing of timber harvesting in steep terrain with tower yarders is being developed. Personal laser scanners (PLS) are used to create accurate 3D models for terrain and standing timber (digital twin of the forest). By means of newly developed software routines, the individual trees coordinates, diameters, heights and taper curves are automatically calculated. Simulations in the digital twin of the forest are used to optimize the subsequent routing of the cable corridor and to forecast the accruing harvest volumes and timber assortments. Restrictions in the form of habitats and biotopes are taken into account. Scenario analyses evaluate the cost efficiency, energy efficiency, and potential environmental impacts of timber harvesting through a comprehensive sustainability analysis. One focus of the project is on transfer of the new methods and tools to forest practice. For this purpose, the methods/tools are developed and practically applied under real conditions within an extensive case study. |