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NASA Creates First Global Forest Map Using Lasers

Posted by samzenpus on from the if-a-tree-is-measured-and-nobody-is-around-to-see-it dept.

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."

8 of 55 comments (clear)

  1. Lasers? by Allnighte · · Score: 4, Funny

    Since when did NASA get sharks into satellites in space?

    1. Re:Lasers? by Matheus · · Score: 4, Funny

      The article was supposed to read:

      "Attempt by NASA to map Earth's forests with lasers scorches entire tree population!"

      News at 11...

  2. So little forest by CastrTroy · · Score: 3, Insightful

    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.

    --

    Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
    1. Re:So little forest by evilviper · · Score: 3, Insightful

      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.

      --
      Slashdot gets worse every day... Pipedot: News for nerds, without the corporate slant
  3. How to map forests with a laser by pclminion · · Score: 5, Funny

    1. Shoot laser at target area
    2. Is target area aflame?
    Yes - Target area contained a forest previously
    No - Target area was not a forest

  4. I am the Lorax by catmistake · · Score: 5, Funny

    RUN, FOREST, RUN!!

    --
    The Admin and the Engineer
  5. Re:How's the height of the forest relevant... by Chris+Burke · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Like what? Grasses in savannah/prairies/outback-bushland doesn't store/process carbon?

    Less than tall trees, obviously. While medium-height shrubs would contain somewhere in between.

    There are obvious deficiencies, like that they probably care about biomass density and you could have dense foliage under a shorter canopy. But it is a useful first-order indication. That's why they said the height map "helps get us there", not "is the end-all be-all, yippe we're done."

    --

    The enemies of Democracy are
  6. And I believe by Viadd · · Score: 5, Funny

    These are the days of lasers in the jungle.

    Lasers in the jungle somewhere.