Australia gets real-time forest monitoring via satellite network
Scientists are upgrading thousands of remote forest sensors to transmit data continuously via low-Earth satellites instead of once or twice a year.
A new project in western New South Wales is upgrading thousands of existing solar-powered forest sensors. They now transmit data continuously via low-Earth satellites.
These sensors measure soil moisture, plant health, tree growth and water stress in remote areas. Until now, data came only once or twice a year from manual visits.
This missed rapid changes after droughts, heatwaves and bushfires. Satellites in low Earth orbit now relay data continuously.
Scientists can detect how forests respond to climate extremes and recover afterwards. If the NSW trial succeeds, the network could expand across the country.
Australia's forests store vast amounts of carbon, support wildlife and control water. Yet scientists say we know surprisingly little about how they are changing.
- western New South Wales
- Trial location
- once or twice a year from manual visits
- Previous data frequency
Why it mattersReal-time forest health data helps Australia prepare for more frequent and intense climate extremes by identifying which ecosystems are most at risk.
AustraliaBetter understanding of Australia's forests could improve fire management, water planning and carbon storage tracking across the continent as climate change accelerates.
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