University College Dublin, together with Treemetrics Ltd and PTR Ltd., have initiated a COFORD (The National Council for Forest Research and Development) funded research project FORESTSCAN - Terrestrial laser scanning technology for multi-resource forest inventories.
The research objectives are:
- An investigation of the basic principles of terrestrial laser scanning technology and its applicability to (multi-resource) forest inventories.
- An evaluation of existing data analysis software for forestry applications. Development of new software for a range of applications, both in relation to timber measurements but also for non-timber, sustainable forest management purposes will be investigated.
- A cost-benefit analysis for the introduction and use of this technology over a range of potential inventory applications.
The project is directed by the Project Coordinator and managed by the Project Management Group consisting of the Project Coordinator and representatives of the participating companies.
The Project Coordinator is looking for a PhD Student for this project.
The research will consist of the following tasks:
- an investigation of the basic principles behind the scanning systems.
- a familiarisation with the existing (international) research on these scanning systems.
- an evaluation of the existing data processing and analysis software for Irish forest applications. The AutoStem software developed by Treemetrics will be the main focus of this evaluation.
- an assessment of the scanning systems, both hardware and software, based on a range of scans produced in a variety of stands, from simple even-aged single species conifer stands to complex multi-storey, mixed species stands (including broadleaves).
- a basic cost/benefit analysis of the scanning system.
- the assessment of new developments in scanning technology and data processing systems.
- the development of specific operational procedures and data processing and analysis applications for Irish forestry.
- the testing and documenting of these procedures and applications.
- individual cost/benefit analyses for each application and comparisons with traditional methods and technologies.
Requirements for this position are:
- An Honours Degree in Forestry or other relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification.
- An understanding of and interest in remote sensing, ICT and statistical applications in forestry.
- Capable of combining field work with office based activities.
- An interest in the development of applications and computer software for multi-resource forest inventory.
- Good writing skills.
The project runs from July 1, 2007 to August 30, 2012. The starting date of the PhD research position is not later than September 1, 2008. The PhD scholarship will have a value of circa €22,000 per year, out of which tuition fees have to be paid, leaving a tax-free scholarship value of circa €17,000 per year.
If you are interested in this PhD position, you can apply by sending a CV (including the names and addresses of two people willing to provide references) and a letter explaining why you feel qualified for the PhD position and scholarship to the Project Coordinator, Professor Maarten Nieuwenhuis (maarten.nieuwenhuis@ucd.ie), Agriculture and Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4. For inquiries contact Professor Nieuwenhuis at 00353 1 716 7004 or maarten.nieuwenhuis@ucd.ie.
http://www.ucd.ie/bioenvsci/staff/academic/maarten_nieuwenhuis.html
The closing date for applications is: July 15, 2008.
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