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DEFRA use satellite technology to monitor disease in key species throughout England

The project covering over 130,000 sq. km will identify and monitor oak and ash trees, looking specifically at any change in health. Initially this will identify the species and map them, with then a disturbance layer to be added that provides the government with details of the change in health status of the identified trees up to the most recent complete season (2018). A successful pilot was completed in Devon, looking at the landscape in 2017. Rezatec is unique in its ability to provide these solutions to the degree of precision that DEFRA has determined necessary.

Sam Grant, Statistician, Plant Health at DEFRA comments

Monitoring Englandefore it was first identified.

The costs to DEFRA and county councils to deal with the issue is not insignificant and this work will go a long way to maximise the efficiency of the highly skilled, but limited resources available. By using satellite technology to accurately identify and locate affected trees, government can optimise the deployment of ground teams, sending them directly to the source of the problem. They can also remove affected trees that may become a hazard to the general public.

Tim Vallings, Chief Commercial Officer at Rezatec comments

Rezatec works with forestry owners and operators around the world providing a range of forestry services including tree species mapping, harvest volume metrics, early detection of pest and disease, storm damage and burn severity mapping.

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