Forest fires can be disastrous. They destroy homes, businesses and local communities and the economic implications are often significant. Climate change and population growth are contributing to the rise in the number, frequency and size of fires.
Foresters need as much largescale data and analysis as possible after a wildfire. Today, the forest sector relies heavily on ground and aerial surveys. Ground teams cannot cover vast forest areas without huge financial impact. Aerial surveys photograph the forest and piece it together. However, as with all other methodologies apart from satellites, aerial surveys need to be initiated every time they are required, after a fire. Foresters can wait for many months after a wildfire until viable salvage operation decisions can be made, which means that logistical challenges and timber damage can escalate.