3DPLY (3D Populus, Laser & Yield): web application for the intelligent volume estimation of commercially valuable forest species

The objective of this proof of concept was to develop the commercializable product 3DPLY (3D Populus, Laser & Yield) and to demonstrate that it is possible to estimate the volume of standing timber (Yield) with accuracy, precision and speed, in clonal poplar plantations (Populus × euramerica and P. × interamericana), from digital twins generated with mobile laser scanners, classifying the wood according to its industrial destination, prior to its cutting.

In the 3DPLY web application the owner enters the .csv file, coming from the preprocessing of the data taken with a handheld mobile laser scanner and obtains a report with the actual volume of each of the stands of the scanned plantation, the total volume of the plot (and according to destinations) and the quality statistics of the same (downloadable in different formats), with the geolocation of the plot and the assignment of the sustainable forest management certification system (PEFC/FSC).

This method of dimensioning and information processing will allow optimizing the management of the supply chain with a high impact on the decision making and management of the raw material used to generate high value-added forest products, such as plywood. The results of this proof of concept will provide certainty, data and tools to companies in the poplar value chain in order to maintain, adapt to climate change and improve the plantation area of this forest species whose future market is assured and which will provide numerous jobs along its chain, with a special impact on rural areas.