S. Korea develops on-line map to better gauge forestry resources

SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has developed an open, on-line digital map
service that shows detailed images of the country's forestry resources, a
state-run research institute said Friday.

The Korea Forest Research Institute (KFRI) said its new map program
(www.kfri.go.kr/aerophoto) provides 750 detailed images of the entire country
that can help policymakers determine what forestry policies to implement in the
future and facilitate environmental impact evaluations.
The data may also be used by Seoul in ongoing climate change talks that aim to
reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions cited for causing global warming.
"The aerial photos show the (full) extent of forested land, which can allow
experts to calculate how much CO2 gases are being absorbed by trees in the
country," said Kim Sung-ho, head of KFRI's forestry resources division.
The photos were taken from 1996 through 2004, and pictures from as far back 1972
can be accessed for reference. The photos are at a scale of 1:25000, as is used
in many published maps.
"The system is designed to allow people to see aerial views of designated areas
and to allow regular maps to be overlapped for a better understanding of the
images," Kim said.
The maps also allow users to see the effects of deforestation by comparing recent
images with earlier photos, he added.
Forests account for 64 percent of South Korea's landmass and there is growing
interest in the country to make increased commercial use of them.
KFRI under the Korea Forest Service has provided access to the photo database on
a limited scale to public agencies, universities and certain private companies
for some time, but recently decided to expand services so it can be utilized by
everyone.
Users can register on-line free of charge to view the map.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)

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