Old-Growth Forest Mapping

(01)

Overview

I developed a machine learning model for the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, which uses remote sensing data from satellite imagery and airborne laser scanning to predict the presence of old-growth forest across Nova Scotia's vast landscape. The model led to a 50% increase in mapping accuracy, allowing the province to reduce fieldwork costs and improve conservation outcomes.

Year

2026

Industry

Forestry

Challenge

The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources sought to improve upon existing GIS tools for predicting the presence of old-growth forest. For forest stands to be conserved, their age must be verified in the field - a costly and time-intensive process. GIS tools help guide workers in the field towards land that is more likely to be old growth, and increase the amount of old-growth forest that is formally protected. Previous GIS tools had an accuracy rate of 25% for mapping old growth, leading to time and money spent in the field that did not result in more conserved forest. The goal of this project was to employ new remote sensing data and modern machine learning models to create a more accurate predictor tool.

(1) Prediction map for old growth - red cells indicate high old growth probability

(2) Prediction map for forest cover type - used as auxiliary data for old growth machine learning model

Impact

The remote sensing-based old-growth mapping tool achieved an overall accuracy of 72%, a near 50% increase compared to previous tools. Within the study area of St. Margaret's Bay, approximately 110 km² of forested land was listed as highly likely to be old growth, representing an additional 100 km² of old-growth forest that is currently not protected under provincial government policies. This represents a great opportunity to protect much more old-growth forest in Nova Scotia, while reducing costs associated with field work.

(3) Blender rendering of a typical Nova Scotia old-growth forest

(3) Blender rendering of a typical Nova Scotia old-growth forest

Next — Nova Scotia Connectivity

Next — Nova Scotia Connectivity

Next — Nova Scotia Connectivity

Next — Nova Scotia Connectivity