Since 1994, Seminars on Remote Sensing and GIS applications in Forestry have been held every two years in Curitiba (The Capital of Paraná State)
under the leadership of FUPEF (Foundation for Forest Studies).
The need for updated knowledge about the forest resources of Brazil has prompted resource managers to seek new tools, information extraction
techniques and data manipulation to provide methods of characterization, mapping, inventory and monitoring of vegetation cover and condition,
taking into account that, over the years, there has been an aggressive and, frequently, irrational use of forest resources.
These Seminars are designed to increase the knowledge of the forestry community involved in studies in both natural and planted forests.
Experiences gained on the acquisition of both theoretical and practical knowledge on the use of new geo-technologies, including photogrammetry,
photo-interpretation, remote sensing, GIS and GPS are the subjects of these seminars. Since the beginning of this series of Seminars, 140
invited speakers have presented scientific papers and 110 poster presentations and some 1000 forest engineers, technicians and students
have participated.
As a continuation of this highly-successful effort and of its acceptance by the forest community, the 8th Seminar on Remote Sensing and GIS
Applications in Forestry (Oct. 7th - 9th 2008, in Curitiba, Paraná) is being planned. Included in the program are presentations by Brazilian
specialists, representatives from other countries of Latin America, and guest speakers from the USA and Europe involved in forestry remote
sensing and GIS applications. In addition poster presentations will be made by representatives of the user community.
It is also important to mention that representatives of commercial companies and institutions in geo-technologies, who provide services on
planning, management and execution of remote sensing and GIS activities, related to forestry, will exhibit their products and services and be
available to answer questions and discuss potential applications during the seminar.
Prof. Dr. Attilio Antônio Disperati - President of Executive Committee.