To achieve this, the Federal Research Centre for Forests (BFW) used laser scanner data and digital aerial images taken between 2016 and 2018.

Whereas satellite images with a 30-metre ground resolution were previously used as the basis, the remote sensing team at the Federal Research Centre for Forests now has access to spatially much higher-resolution data. Unlike satellites, this data is captured by aircraft from an altitude of a few kilometres. Height models are derived from this data and, together with the orthophotos, they form — with the help of additional ancillary data such as the official map ÖK50 or the Digital Cadastral Map (DKM) — the basis for the forest map.

Who was the map made for?

The effort involved in creating the forest map was considerable. Over a period of four years, a total of 20 people — from full-time employees to holiday interns — were involved in the project. The result is a high-precision forest map for the whole of Austria, which will be updated annually and is available to everyone.

Contact persons

DI Christoph Bauerhansl, Institute for Forest Inventory, BFW, christoph.bauerhansl@bfw.gv.at

DI Christian Lackner, Public Relations, BFW, 0664 841 2702, christian.lackner@bfw.gv.at

Find out everything about Austria's first forest map at bfw.ac.at!