Rehearsing the future — the SmartForest concept
Data defensibility
Visualization is a powerful tool for communicating complex ecosystem concepts--but
only as long as the images are defensible. That is, the data values must
be constantly and readily available via the visualization for verification
etc.
Real data
SmartForest uses ordinary data products--ground surveys, sample plot data,
aerial photo surveys for forest cover; USGS digital terrain data; and
incorporates data from many sources--GIS coverages, relational databases,
biological models.
Interactive
The visualization, and the models and data driving it, are manipulated
via the display by mouse and keyboard commands. Communication is two-way,
not just display to user. When the picture is changed, the data responds.
SmartForest Components
SmartForest operates at the landscape scale but maintains seamless links between a large scale overview and small-scale "walks" among the trees at ground level. The system demands detailed data at very high resolution. ForestAnalyst is software designed to map individual trees from aerial video. The STELLA package has been used to develop prototypical ecosystem model components. ForestCruise developed data structures enabling real-time cruising of a very large scale tree-by-tree database. All of the components are gathered behind a visualization interface giving users control and navigation.
