Dear Colleagues,

Geo-spatial technology, or geomatics, plays a crucial role in monitoring and assessing environmental changes in forests. It involves the use of geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and other spatial technologies to gather, analyze, and interpret spatial data related to forest ecosystems. Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and aerial photography, are used to create detailed maps of forest cover and land use changes over time and monitor the health of forest ecosystems by detecting signs of stress, disease, insect infestations, and other disturbances. This information helps foresters and conservationists take timely actions to mitigate the impacts and preserve forest health estimating forest carbon stocks and assessing carbon sequestration rates.The technology also assists in designing effective land use plans and sustainable forest management strategies by providing detailed spatial data on forest resources, terrain, and accessibility aiding to assess the impacts of climate change on forests, such as changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, and project future scenarios to inform adaptation strategies. The continuous monitoring of forest changes enables to provides valuable data for reporting on forest conditions, compliance with forest conservation regulations, and meeting international agreements like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

By integrating these geo-spatial technologies, researchers, forest managers, and policymakers can make informed decisions to protect and sustainably manage forests, which are vital ecosystems with significant ecological, economic, and social importance.

Dr. Mothi Kumar K Elisha

Dr. Promila Bishnoi，

Guest Editors