For more than 30 years attempts have been made to map forest by means of satellite pictures. Now this work has resulted in practical tools for making forest maps in Norway. The new method has been created by “Norsk institutt for jord- og skogkartlegging” (NIJOS), (the Norwegian Land and Forest Survey Institute) in co-operation with the Finnish national forest survey.

Previously it was not possible to make detailed forest maps concerning individual municipalities, or maps of specific subjects on regional or district level. Not that is possible. NIJOS says that the maps give a broad picture of wood species, age and timber volume.
The new method is based on the simultaneous use of several data sources. These are existing estimates made on the basis of NIJOS current forest surveys, satellite measurements from outer space and map data. Previous attempts have often been based on satellite pictures without sufficient support from other data sources.
Norway has very good forest statistics, but they do not give detailed information on local level. The new method will constitute a practical tool for planners.
The great advantage of the new maps is that they give a very good picture of forest resources down to municipal level. For many years municipalities have asked for figures concerning forest resources, but so far there have not been any such figures. With these new maps each individual municipality can have access to correct and simple information if forests are old or young, or about the quantity of spruce and pine. It will be easier to plan lumbering and management.
In 2006 there will be forest maps covering three districts.