Forests in Transition: Conclusion of the ROOT Research Project

At the heart of the “ROOT” project, funded by the bidt, is a digital application that provides immediate access to up-to-date information on changes in forests as observed by satellites – such as disturbances caused by drought, storms or pest infestations. The “ROOT Forest Monitor” app is aimed in particular at foresters, forest owners and other decision-makers in the forestry sector – but can also be used by interested members of the public. The app was presented in the Steigerwald at the end of March as part of the project’s closing event.

The “ROOT Forest Monitor” app is a digital tool that processes large amounts of satellite data and combines it with other sources, such as weather data. The data is processed and continuously updated so that it can be used directly on site – even on a smartphone in the field. Users can subscribe to forest areas, are automatically notified of changes, and receive detailed information on the timing, extent and suspected causes of disturbances. In this way, the app supports workflows in the forest and enables better planning of forest inspections and informed decision-making.

“ROOT is one of the most successful consortium projects funded by the bidt. Within this interdisciplinary network, innovative scientific results were achieved, which were published in high-impact journals and laid the foundation for further projects. At the same time, a software solution was developed that provides concrete benefits for environmental and climate protection in Bavaria, thereby precisely aligning with the bidt’s goal of shaping the digital transformation in a way that is oriented toward the common good and sustainable."

Prof. Dr. Ute Schmid To the profile

Computer scientist Professor Samuel Kounev, who was responsible for software engineering in the project alongside Dr. Nikolas Herbst, also praised the interdisciplinary collaboration. Researchers from biology, Earth observation and computer science at the University of Würzburg, who do not usually work together, had developed a common language for this project. This cross-disciplinary cooperation worked surprisingly well:

“Because we all shared a common, very tangible goal that motivated us: to present information in a way that adds value for people involved with forests and those who work for them. Our overarching goal was to make a positive contribution to the issue of climate change.”

Dr. Nikolas Herbst To the profile

Professor Jörg Müller, an ecologist involved in the project, highlights the practical benefits of digitalisation:

“In the case of our app, digitalization doesn’t just mean that satellite data is available—it also means that everyone can access it in a timely manner so they can make use of it. This is especially important in the forest.”

Prof. Dr. Jörg Müller To the profile

A project team of around ten people has thus created a powerful application in three years – despite many, mostly technical, challenges along the way. At the same time, those involved see the ‘ROOT Forest Monitor’ merely as a starting point for further developments:

“The app has created a valuable tool that integrates very well with existing digital solutions – and can be further expanded in the future,” says Professor Claudia Künzer from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). Plans include the integration of supplementary information such as the differentiation of tree species or open interfaces to existing platforms.

A research group at the German Research Foundation at the University of Würzburg is continuing to explore the topic – among other things, outstanding research questions from ‘ROOT’ are being investigated here in a broader context and with regard to further application scenarios. Plans are currently underway to continue operating the application beyond the end of the project.

The project team agrees that disturbances in the forest also present an opportunity – for sustainable forest restructuring and, consequently, for strengthening the climate resilience of forests. Droughts, pest infestations, as well as storms and, in some regions of Germany, an increased risk of fire are increasingly taking their toll on forests. At the same time, decisions must be made with the long term in mind – because forests develop over many decades.