Multi-temporal laser scanning for characterizing tree structure, growth, and wood quality
Application period: 11 June – 10 August, 2026
Research project description
Sustainable forest management depends on measurements taken from individual trees and forest stands. However, the vast scale of forests, their long growth cycles, and the structural complexity of trees make data collection and analysis challenging. Laser scanning technology offers transformative methods for measuring and monitoring forests. It operates by emitting laser pulses to measure distances to surrounding objects, creating high-resolution 3D point clouds of the environment. By leveraging multi-temporal (time-series) close-range laser scanning data—collected from static or kinematic, terrestrial or low-altitude platforms—this research aims to develop advanced methodologies to address the following questions:
- How can tree structures be characterized using various laser scanning techniques?
- How can laser scanning time-series be utilized to quantify tree growth?
- How can precise measurements of tree structure and dynamics be integrated to assess wood quality in standing trees?
This research seeks to enhance forest mensuration, providing novel methods and insights for both the scientific community and practical forestry organizations responsible for large-scale data collection and forest resource management.
Academic background and skills of the applicant
An ideal candidate holds a master’s degree in a relevant field such as forestry, geography, geoinformatics, applied statistics, or a closely related discipline. The candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in remote sensing data analysis and the ability to manage and process large datasets. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for the position. The selected candidate must fulfil the language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology at UEF (see https://www.uef.fi/en/degree-programme/doctoral-programme-in-science-forestry-and-technology (Eligibility and admission criteria)). The role requires the capability to conduct independent fieldwork, including possession of a valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel or work abroad. Familiarity with relevant programming environments, such as Python, R, or MATLAB, is considered an advantage. A proactive and independent approach to research and problem-solving is required.
Doctoral programme and research group
Doctoral education in the University of Eastern Finland is arranged in seven discipline specific or thematic doctoral programmes. This research project will be located in the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology, and the submitting department is the School of Forest Sciences.
The candidate will join the international research group led by Professor Vastaranta at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF). Currently consisting of approximately 15 researchers from China, India, Nepal, Belgium, Latvia, and Finland, the group provides a vibrant and multicultural academic environment.
The group specializes in developing cutting-edge remote sensing and geospatial technologies to measure, monitor, and better understand forest ecosystems. Laser scanning is at the core of their expertise. For example, they develop highly accurate and efficient technologies for forest characterization, with a specific focus on terrestrial and mobile laser scanning (TLS/MLS). Furthermore, they utilize laser scanning time-series data to analyze the development of individual trees and forest ecosystems, and to pioneer novel monitoring methodologies. The research group is an integral part of the UNITE Flagship (Forest-Human-Machine Interplay), which brings together world-class expertise in forest sciences, geospatial technologies, and gamification.
Partners / Secondments
National Land Survey of Finland, hosted by Juha Hyyppä
University of Helsinki, Finland, hosted by Markus Holopainen
Ghent University, Belgium, hosted by Kim Calders
Other interdisciplinary, international and/or intersectoral collaboration
Intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration is strengthened through DP-FOBI’s three summer schools involving academic supervisors, non-academic partners, and other stakeholders, enabling hands-on interaction and knowledge exchange.