NASA Creates First Global Forest Map Using Lasers

MikeCapone writes "Scientists, using three NASA satellites, have created a first-of-its-kind map that details the height of the world's forests. The data was collected from NASA's ICESat, Terra and Aqua satellites. The latter two satellites are responsible for most of NASA's Gulf spill imagery. The data collected will help scientists understand how the world's forests both store and process carbon. While there are many local and regional canopy maps, this is the very first global map using a uniform method for measure."

Comments

So little forest

[CastrTroy]

Coming from a place with so much forest, I sometimes forget how little of the world is covered in forest. I love the forest, and could not imagine living in a place with no forest. Although it seems that's how most of the world is.

Re:So little forest

[camperdave]

I miss the forest. I haven't had a chance to get into the woods yet this year. Closest I got was an evening on the shore of Lake Ontario. I will be going this Governor Simcoe Day.

Re:So little forest

[evilviper]

I know someone who grew up on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, who can't imagine how people live anywhere else.

I personally grew up near a river, and am continually trying to find places to live that are near (slightly secluded) rivers or similar.

I suppose we all have our own favorite bits of nature. But I think we can agree that those who live in the concrete jungle are completely bat-shit insane.