Use Case
Stora Enso
Inventory of spruce bark beetle damage
How Stora Enso and Copture create safety in the fight against the spruce bark beetle - with the help of drones
When spruce bark beetle strikes, every week is crucial. The damage can be devastating if not detected in time.
Together with Stora Enso we have built a comprehensive approach where drone technology provides fast, clear and large-scale insight into forest damage - in a way that makes a real difference.
A long-term partnership with eyes in the sky
During the summer of 2021 and 2022, spruce bark beetle infestations reached historic levels in Sweden. Large areas of forest were turned into dead wood in just a few weeks. For forest owners, this meant billions in losses - not only in timber value, but also in biodiversity and climate debt.
Stora Enso, with extensive land holdings in central Sweden, faced the challenge:
How could you quickly get an overview of the attacks?
Traditional methods such as sampling and field visits were no longer sufficient. They were too slow, too uncertain, and covered too little ground. To take control of the situation, a new approach was needed - one that was scalable, fast, accurate and resource-efficient.
Using drones and advanced sensors, we have been able to survey large areas of forest to identify spruce bark beetle damage.
Our drone pilots have been collecting geo-referenced images and data which were then interpreted by our forestry trained and experienced analysts. Through integration with Stora Enso's existing platforms such as ArcGIS Field Maps and Global Forester Stora Enso quickly gets an overview of problem areas and can plan actions and optimize any harvesting.
By using low-carbon drones, we have been able to reduce both the environmental footprint and the need for extensive field logistics. This has meant fewer miles travelled by car and a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. This in turn has helped to reduce costs and increase flexibility. All stocktaking has been carried out by Swedish labour with local anchoring.
The result: From reactive to proactive forest management
✓ Between 2022-2024 years, over 120 000 hectares forest has been inventoried and the spread of spruce bark beetle has been contained.
✓ The drone method has also made it easier for Stora Enso to estimate the economic value of the forest, which has facilitated harvesting decisions.
✓ In addition, awareness of the level of infestation facilitates the timely delivery of the right type of timber, which has a positive impact on quality requirements.
Are you responsible for damage assessment in the forest?
We help you make the right decisions, quickly and clearly - using advanced drone technology and forestry-trained interpreters.
Contact us to find out more about how we can support your work.
📩 info@copture.com
📞 08 - 1211 4020