Integrated forest cover monitoring using advanced AI-based algorithms and satellite image information
The Ministry of the Environment is looking for an advanced and efficient stand segmentation technology that uses different resolutions of spectral data, polarimetric data series and stand height data from laser scanning.
Context
- Deforestation is a major problem because there is no adequate and functioning online system for monitoring deforestation and plantations and for controlling deforestation permits to ensure their continuous monitoring. Monitoring and control of deforestation is very limited as it is based on spot checks and limited by available human resources.
- Controlling and monitoring the entire Lithuanian forest area requires significant administrative resources and, even with these resources, it is quite difficult to identify illegal logging due to the human factor: regular on-site visits to forests, monitoring the environment by car or by air, and the need to spend significant amounts of money on equipment, fuel and salaries.
Solution
- There is a need for a deforestation and plantation monitoring system that is integrated with the felling permit system. Using satellites and algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI), it would be possible to monitor forest changes (e.g. clearings) on a daily basis on a national scale, thereby tracking the land surface and monitoring deforestation.
- The technological solution for monitoring deforestation and plantations should be based on space imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel open access satellites (in which Lithuania is an associate member).
Prizes for participants
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners:
- 1st prize – 12 800 EUR
- 2nd prize – 5 000 EUR
- 3rd prize – 2 000 EUR
Additional information
The deadline for receipt of projects or requests to participate is 09:00 on 09.11.2021.
For a detailed description of the challenge and the call for projects, please visit the Central Public Procurement System (CVP IS).