Google DeepMind unveils ForTy map for accurate forest type mapping
Google DeepMind introduced ForTy (Forest Typology) — an innovative map that allows for the classification of forest types with 10-meter resolution. This system analyzes not only the forest itself but also its history of changes, distinguishing between natural, artificially planted, and agricultural forest areas.
ForTy uses the advanced AlphaEarth Foundations model and processes multi-year satellite imagery with 1.7 million objects. This allows for precise tracking of how forest cover changes over time, which is critically important for combating illegal logging.
The ForTy map helps governments and corporations build sustainable supply chains by protecting the most valuable natural forests, which possess significantly greater carbon and biodiversity reserves than monoculture plantations.
ForTy data for 2020 and the time series for 2017–2025 are already available for free on Google Earth Engine.
Why it matters
- —Provides unprecedentedly detailed data (10m) on forests worldwide.
- —Allows distinguishing natural forests from plantations, which is critical for carbon footprint assessment.
- —The tool helps globally track deforestation and create sustainable supply chains.
Key facts
- The ForTy map classifies areas into natural, planted, and agricultural forests.
- The system is built on the AlphaEarth Foundations AI model.
- The analysis is based on multi-year satellite imagery covering 1.7 million objects.
- Data is available for free on Google Earth Engine.
- Natural forests possess a greater carbon reserve and biodiversity compared to plantations.
The full text is in the original source. Here we provide a brief summary and key facts.