Area-Based Inventory in Norway – From Innovation to an Operational Reality

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to give an overview of the development of ALS as an operational tool for forest management inventories in Norway. The chapter will shed light on some of the technical and institutional challenges that were faced. Interaction between the scientific community and private sector was seen as a critical factor for successful adoption of the new technology for practical purposes and it will briefly be described. A description of local adoptions of the methods and of research conducted to improve the technical and economic performance will be given. Finally, some future needs and directions will be discussed. It is believed that the lessons learned in Norway may be found useful for similar efforts in other countries.