| Authors | Miguel-Díez and Parfürst |
| Country | University of Freiburg |
| Paper (PDF) | View paper |
Potential AR applications in forestry
Augmented reality (AR) in forestry refers to the use of head-mounted displays, tablet devices, or smart glasses to overlay digital information — such as tree inventory data, harvest prescriptions, GPS waypoints, equipment diagnostics, and safety alerts — onto a worker's real-world view of the forest environment. Research into the feasibility and potential of AR in forestry has accelerated in recent years alongside improvements in wearable computing hardware, wireless connectivity, and the availability of rich spatial datasets derived from LiDAR scanning and drone surveys. The core appeal of AR in forest operations is that it can deliver decision-relevant information to workers at the point of action, eliminating the need to consult paper maps, handheld computers, or radio calls to supervisors. For example, a harvester operator wearing an AR headset could see individual tree attributes — species, diameter, designated harvesting prescription — projected onto the stems in front of them, enabling faster and more accurate selective harvesting decisions. In plantation thinning operations, AR can guide workers to the correct rows and stems with minimal risk of error, reducing mis-cuts that damage residual trees. Feasibility studies have examined several practical constraints, including the limited field of view of current AR headsets, battery endurance during full-day shifts, device durability in rain and dust, and the latency of data updates in areas with poor wireless connectivity. Australian research has explored AR applications in coupe planning reviews, where managers conducting pre-harvest assessments can compare planned and actual stand conditions in real time. The technology also shows promise for training new operators by overlaying instructional cues and safety zones onto machinery and terrain. As hardware costs fall and 5G connectivity expands into regional and rural Australia, the feasibility threshold for AR in commercial forestry operations is expected to be reached within the next decade, making it a significant emerging tool for productivity, safety, and environmental compliance.
A promising concept for safer field guidance and training, though still largely conceptual with limited demonstrated productivity or risk-reduction impact.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Miguel-Díez and Parfürst |
| Country | University of Freiburg |
| Type | Paper |
| Year | 2025 |
| FWPA RD&E | 8.4 |
| Remarks | 0.0 |
| Case Studies | 0 |