Associate Professor Jan Pisek makes 3D models of conifer needles to explore their climate effects

The journal Nature has published an article about Tartu Observatory’s Associate Professor Jan Pisek, showcasing the scientific impact of his research in remote sensing of landscapes.

Researchers at Tartu Observatory use high precision blue light 3D photogrammetry scanning to construct detailed 3D models of conifer shoots, aiming to unravel the fate of sunlight once it interacts with these trees. The unique geometries of conifers, in particular, make it challenging to interpret satellite data acquired from areas in which they are dominant, and provide reliable estimates of their needle mass. This research ultimately enhances our understanding of heat absorption by Earth’s surface, evaporation and transpiration, and the role of forests as carbon sinks.

Where I Work is an award-winning photography feature from the journal Nature. It celebrates the diverse roles and types of research undertaken by scientists globally, challenging stereotypical perceptions of what scientists do and look like.

  Read the full article in Nature. 

The research described in the Nature article is funded by the Estonian Research Council grant PRG1405, SLTTO22345, and by Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Land Use (TK232).