CI World
CI Earth for Forestry
The forest mapping module of CI World is called CI Earth.
Using our CI Earth software, a hand-held computer (HHC) unit enabled with a GPS receiver allows for accurate mapping of forest resources, including the gathering of tree census information and the creation of a standing inventory record. A forest area designated for logging can be quickly and precisely mapped by use of a robust hand-held device. CI Earth's icon driven interface can be used to navigate the device making the system very easy to use.
Forestry inventory mapping
For forest operators, CI Earth makes creating maps and inventories of areas to be harvested a simple task. The boundaries of each forest management unit can be mapped simply by walking them and then, as the unit is demarcated into blocks, details of each tree eligible for harvest can be recorded quickly and accurately.
CI Earth also allows for monitoring of community land use and facilitates informed land use planning. Local communities can use CI Earth to identify their own forest and pinpoint locations that are important to them such as religious sites or specific areas rich in food source.
When the data is uploaded to the server, maps are created that can be shared so that plans can be made with the agreement of all parties involved. Boundaries are clearly mapped, key trees are protected and access routes preserved enabling multi-stakeholder forest management programmes and minimizing any risk of conflict.
These maps can be shared online by all the authorized users involved in the forest management process.
Carbon sequestration monitoring
CI Earth, when used as a combined solution to record commercial forest inventory and catalogue information relating to community forest assets can provide an effective platform on which to develop carbon sequestration monitoring projects. This platform allows users to monitor and demonstrate their efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD).
Benefits of CI Earth
CI Earth substantially reduces the costs involved in forest mapping through:
- Substantially reducing the time required to gather data (from months to weeks in some cases)
- Reducing dependency on outside technicians
- Providing a significant reduction in resources required compared to paper-based mapping systems
CI Earth provides increased management control over mapping, felling and stock control in the forest through:
- The generation of detailed reports of activity in the forest
- Identifying problems in real-time which can be addressed immediately
- Generating an auditable trail of timber
- Supporting fast-track certification initiatives which result in premium prices for timber stock
Other benefits include:
- Encouraging input from local people regarding forest management plans in their area
- Creation of maps detailing local flora and fauna for protection and to encourage eco-tourism.
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