The FOREST ATLAS opens up new perspectives

Whether it is the WLV hazard zone plan, the tree height map, or the protective forest information map, spatial relationships become immediately visible.

New standards in the visualization of Austria’s forests

In recent years, the geodata platform FOREST ATLAS (Website in German only) has become an important point of reference for information about Austria’s forests and natural hazards. With the implementation of a comprehensive 3D representation of forests, an important milestone in digital forestry information has been achieved. The FOREST ATLAS is thus a pioneer throughout Austria. In addition, two central sources of information are now provided with the new maps on tree species and tree heights.

The expansion of the platform opens up entirely new possibilities for analysis, planning, and communication for forestry professionals, authorities, scientists, and interested citizens. All available thematic maps can be viewed in 3D. Furthermore, multiple thematic maps can be combined with one another. In this way, complex spatial relationships can be clearly visualized and analyzed.

Data basis

The 3D visualization is based on high-resolution laser scanning data (ALS), digital terrain models, current aerial imagery, and thematic maps. Terrain forms, forest structures, or contour lines can thus be accessed in real time. The tree species map is based on vegetation index time series calculated from multispectral Sentinel-2 satellite images. The tree height map is based on a normalized digital surface model (nDOM).

The web-based, device-independent interface is intuitively operable and facilitates the precise interpretation of forestry data, for example in the planning of forest roads or cable yarding systems, the assessment of the impact of damage events, or the visualization of reforestation scenarios.

Complex information presented in an understandable way

A central objective is the clear presentation of complex content, which is particularly helpful in planning or participation processes. Slope gradients, hazard zones, or the spatial distribution of natural hazards can be understood much more easily in 3D.

For improved readability, the tree species map has been divided into 14 practical tree species or stand classes, and the tree height map has been classified into 5-meter height intervals. Both maps serve only as a guide and do not represent an exact determination.

Handling in the 3D view

The 3D view on WALDATALAS.at enables a realistic exploration of terrain and buildings from different perspectives. Using intuitive mouse controls (hold the right mouse button to rotate the map and scroll to zoom in or out), maps can be rotated, tilted, zoomed, and panned to flexibly switch between top-down and 3D perspectives.

A constantly visible compass needle provides better orientation and allows the map to be realigned to the north at any time. In addition, a legend, scale, various map layers, as well as the ability to switch between 2D and 3D mode at any time, are available.

Cooperation agreements

The successful further development is based on close geodata cooperation with the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (BEV; for the tree height map and 3D visualization), the Institute of Forest Inventory of the Federal Research Centre for Forests (BFW; for the tree species map), as well as the responsible specialist departments in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management Department III/4 – Torrent and Avalanche Control, Protective Forest Policy and Forest Fire Prevention; Department II/1 – Agricultural Policy, Data Management and Evaluation).
These cooperation agreements underline the importance of networked data infrastructure for modern, knowledge-based forest and spatial planning.

Outlook

In 2026, development projects of the BMLUK and its cooperation partners are expected to enable temporally dynamic visualizations, for example for the simulation of forest development, climate scenarios, or the progression of damaged timber. Furthermore, offline map sections are planned for practical use in order to allow usage even without internet access.