AI services such as ChatGPT are breaking new ground in how we search for information, and in the way we use digital tools in everyday life, and at work. In addition, AI services can be trained to become specialists in different areas and can be used as assistants, for example in forest planning. A project is currently being supported by Mistra Digital Forest to assess and to test the usefulness of AI services within the forestry sector.
The development of what is known as generative AI is booming. Many will recognise the technology from ChatGPT and similar AI tools, where we can interact with an AI model and use it as a sounding board. A project at Skogforsk is currently receiving funding from Mistra Digital Forest’s strategic reserve, to investigate whether these kinds of GPT models can be used to support forest planning.
Maria Nordström, Skogforsk. Photographer: Johan Olsson.
– Generative AI such as ChatGPT was barely on the map when Mistra Digital Forest began, but now GPT models are highly relevant and it is well worth incorporating them into the programme. In collaboration with the forestry companies, we are conducting a survey in this area that is relevant to the industry as a whole, and which we hope will advance our understanding of how AI could be used in the forestry sector, says Maria Nordström, programme manager, digital transformation and forest planning, at Skogforsk.
Support for complex decisions
In the project, the GPT model will be instructed to use data that provides it with in-depth knowledge. For example, this could be data in the form of various regulations and instructions, or information from the databases of forestry companies. The project will also explore various functionalities, such as describing the content of an uploaded image in words. We hope that the project will pave the way for AI assistants with specialised knowledge, that will facilitate complex decisions linked to forest management and to the monitoring of natural values.
Johan Persson, Kopparfors skogar. Photo: Lasse Arvidsson.
– I can definitely see that AI assistants could be useful as specialists in policies, guidelines and other documents that describe how we as forest owners achieve our forestry goals. In harvesting planning, AI could assist in the documentation of nature conservation, which is an area with rigorous and increasing demands, says Johan Persson, planning and road specialist at Kopparfors, a corporate partner in Mistra Digital Forest.
Johan Persson continues:
– These are complex tasks that require great expertise. If AI can facilitate and streamline parts of our work, we will have more time to ensure that the most advanced decisions maintain a high standard.
Two prototypes are launched
The project aims to launch two prototype planning assistants, based on GPT models that are available to anyone with a paid subscription to ChatGPT. One assistant will classify forest type based on the EU Habitats Directive, and on the objectives for good environmental care developed jointly by the Swedish Forest Agency and the forestry industry. The other prototype will support the planning of ditch clearing in forest terrain, in time this is know-how that could be used to assess which areas are suitable for rewetting as well. The assistants will be evaluated and developed further in collaboration with the forestry sector.
– By developing expertise in this new area, and by demonstrating practical applications, we aim to encourage innovation and ideas about the way in which AI assistants can facilitate forest planning and increase the sustainability of Swedish forestry, says Maria Nordström.