Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have developed a new technology using lasers and artificial intelligence to assess hurricane damage in forests. Dr. Carlos Silva, an assistant professor at UF/IFAS, explained that traditional methods of assessing damage, such as field measurements, can be time-consuming and inefficient. By using remote sensing methods like lidar and NASA satellites, Silva and his team were able to create detailed maps of forest damage caused by hurricanes. These maps, available online, provide valuable information for planning restoration efforts and making management decisions. The innovative use of technology in forest monitoring has the potential to greatly benefit those impacted by natural disasters. By combining ground data with satellite imagery and AI, researchers hope to provide a useful tool for better preparing for future hurricanes.
