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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."

3 of 55 comments (clear)

  1. 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

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

    RUN, FOREST, RUN!!

    --
    The Admin and the Engineer
  3. And I believe by Viadd · · Score: 5, Funny

    These are the days of lasers in the jungle.

    Lasers in the jungle somewhere.