NEW ZEALAND –This year marks a decade since Scion adopted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a research tool – forging a path towards more effective forest management. A pioneer in the field of UAV research, the Crown Research Institute bought its first drone in February 2015. Since then, UAVs have become a key tool for aerial data capture, for use in high-definition mapping and monitoring of forests. Scion also uses them for 3D modelling, sample collection, sub-canopy data captures and various types of imaging across multiple programmes. …Scion also helped set up the Tools for Foresters (TFF) industry initiative, which connects researchers and foresters using UAVs in forests to share research, knowledge and resources. This helps enhance UAV technology development and encourage adoption of these tools. Timberlands inventory manager Michael Wilson says Scion’s work with UAVs over the past decade has helped shape how his company uses the technology in forest management operations.