RMK will award the best forest related Master’s thesis written at the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EULS)  29.06

The objective of Tauri Arumäe’s Master’s thesis “Use of Laser Scanner Data Upon Evaluating Inventory Characteristics” was to study how accurately it is possible to produce assessments on important inventory characteristics of forests, like the height and density of a forest stand and the onset of crown, based on laser scanner data. During the project, it became evident that it is possible to create quite a precise terrain model based on laser scanner data.

“There were other interesting works, but RMK based its decision on the topicality of the subject and the quality level of work,” said Tiit Timberg, Member of the Management Board of RMK “We also made a proposal to the postgraduate to continue researching the implementation related aspects under a one year employment contract with RMK, and hopefully we will reach an agreement soon”. Besides RMK, Tauri Arumäe’s Master’s thesis was also deemed worthy of an award by the Estonian Forest and Wood Industries Association.

Tiit Timberg and Tavo Uuetalu, Members of the Management Board of RMK, have been participating in the work of the committee set up for the defence of the Master’s theses of EULS for many years, in order to be aware of the quality level of the university's research papers and topics. This year the award for the best Master’s thesis was presented for the 11th time. Additionally, RMK annually awards the Heino Teder Scholarship, in the amount of EUR 3195.58 to two forestry postgraduate students of EULS. Forestry studies at the Luua Forestry School are also supported.

RMK has established a science foundation to develop modern sustainable forestry management, which funds forest related research, including the research by EULS on determining forest inventory characteristics with laser scanning. RMK plans to spend EUR 766,940 (EEK 12 million) on applied research between 2011 and 2014.

RMK is a profit-making state agency, established under the Forest Act. Its main task is to manage the state forest sustainably and effectively. RMK grows reforestation material, organises forest works, executes practical nature protection works and is engaged in forest management and timber sales. Additionally, RMK establishes opportunities for nature walking and forest vacation in recreation areas, in five Estonian national parks and in almost 40 other protected areas, and shapes nature awareness. RMK manages 38% of Estonia’s forests.

Additional information:
Tiit Timberg
Member of the Management Board of RMK
Phone: +372 504 5761
E-mail: tiit.timberg@rmk.ee