Digital Forest Twin

Digital twin forest: The dynamic heart of precision forestry 5.0

In view of the dramatic effects of climate change - from mass extinctions due to drought to increased calamities - forestry urgently needs a forward-looking and data-supported basis for decision-making.

At DigiFor, the Chair for Digitized Forestry Processes and Systems at TU Dresden, we are developing the Digital Forest Twin (DT). It is the central, intelligent and dynamic image of real forest ecosystems. Our aim is to virtually map, analyze and control the entire life cycle of the forest - from recording to management - in real time.

The digital twin as a precision tool

Our digital twin goes far beyond static maps. It is a dynamic, individual tree-based and historicized image that can depict the condition and development of the forest at any point in time.

1. precise data collection (survey)

The basis for this twin is comprehensive data collection:

Remote sensing & laser scanning: we use UAV-LiDAR (drone laser scanning), terrestrial/mobile laser scanning (TLS/MLS) and satellite data for high-precision 3D capture of all forestry objects and the stand.
Networked sensor technology (IoT): By integrating IoT sensor technology, we continuously receive up-to-date measured values on vitality, microclimate and soil moisture.
Process data: In addition, standardized process data from timber harvesting and logistics flows in to map the entire value chain.

2. intelligent analysis and simulation (understanding & decision-making)

The flood of data is processed by intelligent models and systems:

Artificial intelligence (AI): AI models enable automated analysis of the data fusion to make precise statements about stand parameters, risks (e.g. pest infestation) and timber quality.
Future scenarios: The decision support system (DSS) uses single-tree modeling to simulate different management and climate scenarios (what-if analyses) and predict their impact on the forest in 50 or 100 years.
Versioning: As the forest is constantly changing, we store the twin in different versioned states to be able to track trends and changes in detail.

3. real-world transfer (action)

The results of the digital twin are transferred to everyday operations using practical tools and immersive technologies:

XRForest Lab: we use XR applications (extended reality) and augmented reality (AR) to project planning data directly into the field and provide operational support. For example, timber harvesting measures or training content can be visualized and optimized directly in the forest.

Our real-world laboratory: the digital twin of the Tharandt Forest

We are entering the pilot phase: in collaboration with regional practice partners, the Tharandt Forest will become our central real-world laboratory for forest digitization. We will gradually develop this extensive and near-natural forest area into a complete, individual tree-based and dynamic digital twin. The aim is to test, validate and optimize end-to-end solutions here in order to create a blueprint for crisis-proof and sustainable forestry in Saxony and beyond.