From 27 April to 3 May 2025, a delegation of Ukrainian specialists from Ukrderzhlisproekt, the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NULES) and the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G. M. Vysotsky (UkrNDILGA) went on a study trip to the Czech Republic.
The visit was organised in cooperation with the Czech National Forest Institute (UHUL) and IFER. The main purpose of the trip was to exchange experience and improve qualifications in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) and field forest management technologies.
The main areas of training were:
Geographic information systems (QGIS, PostgreSQL/PostGIS):
Participants learned how to connect to servers, manage spatial databases, and use SQL for data analysis and query optimisation. Methods for connecting to servers, managing spatial databases, and using SQL for data analysis and query optimisation were studied. Special attention was paid to working with satellite images (Landsat, Copernicus) and analysing the spectral characteristics of vegetation cover.
Practical field work with the UKRTAX module:
Specialists conducted practical work in forest areas near Prague, where, together with Field-Map developers, they tested an adapted version of the UKRTAX module, which provides fast and accurate forest inventory. Thanks to direct field testing, it was possible to quickly resolve technical issues and adapt the module to Ukrainian conditions.
Adaptation of Field-Map software:
Together with Czech developers, the functions of the UKRTAX module were refined. The selective measurement and taxation functionality was refined, which significantly reduces the time spent in the field. Data entry control functions have been tested to ensure high quality field survey results.
Achievements of the trip:
• Optimised functionality of the UKRTAX module for use in field conditions by Ukrainian forest engineers.
• Mastered modern approaches to working with spatial databases in PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
• Cooperation with Czech partners — the Czech National Forest Institute (UHUL) and IFER — has been deepened.
• Modern equipment has been acquired — 9 tablets with Field-Map software (7 for Ukrderzhlisproekt, one each for UkrNDILGA and NULES).
Why is this important? Ukrainian specialists have not only mastered new technologies, but also gained practical experience in applying them in the field. This will contribute to improving the efficiency of forest management, national forest inventory and ensuring high-quality data for management decisions.
