Mikko Vastaranta
Mikko Vastaranta
Professor - School of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, University of Eastern Finland
From Research to Innovation: How Laser Scanning Has Transformed Forest Inventory, Mapping, and Forestry
October 01, 2026 - 12:00 PM
Laser scanning technology has revolutionized the collection of forest resource information and transformed practical forestry. In his presentation, Vastaranta reflects on how research ideas in laser scanning have evolved into concrete innovations, shaping both forest research and day-to-day forestry practices. Furthermore, he explores the time it takes for new ideas to achieve widespread adoption, while highlighting the role of the research community in fostering these breakthroughs.
Speaker Biography
Mikko Vastaranta – Professor, School of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, University of Eastern Finland
Mikko Vastaranta is a Professor of Digitalization and Knowledge Leadership in Forest-based Bioeconomy at the School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland. He earned his Master of Science and PhD in forest resource science and technology from the University of Helsinki, where he also holds an adjunct professorship in remote sensing of forests. Vastaranta's research focuses on developing remote sensing and geospatial technologies to measure, monitor and better understand forests. He has held research and teaching appointments in Finland, Canada and Japan and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Recommended Reading
Fassnacht, F. E., White, J. C., Wulder, M. A., & Næsset, E. (2024). Remote sensing in forestry: Current challenges, considerations and directions. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research, 97(1), 11–37. https://doi.org/10.1093/forestry/cpad024