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Integrating Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and Geomatics Towards


Precision Forestry

Article  in  Wulfenia · May 2015

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Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015

Integrating Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and


Geomatics Towards Precision Forestry
Nathaniel!C.!Bantayan!

College!of!Forestry!and!Natural!Resources,!University!of!the!Philippines!Los!Banos!

Tel:!63B49B5362557!!!EBmail:!ncbantayan@up.edu.ph!
!
The!research!is!financed!by!the!University!of!the!Philippines!Creative!Work!and!Research!Grant!

ABSTRACT
A prototype of precision forestry that integrates radio-frequency identification
(RFID) and geomatics is described where parameters of forest growth like diameter,
height and crown size can be collected on a regular basis using an RFID system, trees
are geolocated and the data are stored in a geodatabase. Individual trees are fitted
with RFID tags and read by an RFID scanner. The data can be fed into a geodatabase
of a GIS application that allows spatially-explicit monitoring and visualization. In the
proposed system, a two-fold objective is prescribed, namely: conservation and
production where trees and other flora are monitored for long-term ecological forest
growth and dynamics in the former and tracking of logs from the time of harvest until
the transport to the primary wood processing plant in the latter. An RFID-enabled
tracking system for Philippine forestry will improve the verification of the origin of
harvested products, thus, substantially reduce illegal logging by ensuring that logs are
sourced from certified plantations. This pioneering precision forestry is the first to
combine RFID and geomatics.
Keywords: RFID, geomatics, precision forestry, biodiversity, log tracking system

INTRODUCTION
For years, precision technologies have been applied in agriculture to ensure optimal
production by fitting agricultural equipment like sensors, monitors and controllers
with GIS and GPS to enable more accurate release of chemical applications, produce
high resolution maps and provide opportunities for analysis with the end in view of
improving the benefit cost ratio. And because waste is held to a minimum, precision
farming has been considered synonymous with conservation farming. Similarly
applied in the field of forestry, precision forestry or conservation forestry seeks to
monitor “ . . . forest information parameters (i.e. DBH, height, crown size) ... for
sustainable forest management and link this dataset to the ground using advanced
methods in information and communications technology . . . “ (Bantayan, 2010).
With the use of precision technologies available in the field of geomatics (ie. GPS,
high resolution remote sensing, GIS), there are clear benefits for biodiversity

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conservation and sustainable production of forest resources. In particular, “. . .


precision forestry can lead to a more detailed identification of interactions at the
genetic, species and site (or habitat) levels to ensure higher success rate of
conservation, forest rehabilitation and restoration . . .” (Bantayan, 2010). There are
numerous other applications of precision forestry: higher resolution climate change
impact studies; more precise identification of biodiversity hotspots; higher survival
rates of planted seedlings; improved forest inventory and assessment; among others.
Geomatics is a scientific approach that addresses the fundamental issues raised by the
use of GIS and related technologies (Longley, et al., 2001). It may include the
integration of GIS with GPS, remote sensing and other technologies for visualization,
modeling of impacts, designing interventions, prescribing mitigation measures,
among others. On the other hand, radio frequency identification (RFID) is a generic
term that is used to describe a system that wirelessly transmits the identity of an
object or person in the form of a unique alphanumeric code using radio waves. The
signal is received by the RFID tag (or RFID transponder that comprise a microchip
attached to an antenna) within the range of detection. The tags reply with a coded
signal, and this allows the tagged objects (or trees) to be uniquely identified
(Reynolds and Riley, 2002). Also, RFID technology does not require contact or line
of sight for communication and data can be read through the human body, clothing
and non-metallic materials. A basic RFID system consists of three components,
namely: RFID tag, RFID reader and computer-based communication (Figure 1):

! !! !! ! !
!!! ! !!
Source:!
Source:!Timpe,!2006
www.rfidjournal.com

RFID!Tag RFID!Reader Communication


(with!string,!ring,!label)
(computer!hardware/software)

Figure 1. Components of a basic RFID system

In 2009, Jusoff reported a system that made use of airborne hyperspectral remote
sensing to identify, classify and map individual trees in the forested areas of
Peninsular Malaysia taking advantage of the hyperspectral imager’s ability to detect
molecular absorption and particle ‘signatures’ of constituents allowing identification
of individual plants. Ilie-Zudor, et al. (2011) reported the application of a wireless
sensor system that tracked plant conditions in real time and automatically triggered
actions like watering and changing temperature to steer continued plant growth.

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In the context of conservation and production, precision forestry seeks to integrate


geospatial technology and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system. In this
paper, precision forestry has a two-fold objective: conservation and production, that
is, assessment and monitoring of trees and associated flora for forest growth and
dynamics in the former and tracking of logs from the time of harvest until the
transport to the primary wood processing plant in the latter. Two integral components
of precision forestry are identified: geomatics and RFID. Geomatics seeks to install a
spatially-explicit system to map (ie. geolocate) and store (ie. geodatabase) the trees
and other flora. On the other hand, the RFID system tags the trees and other flora
(conservation component), and the felled timber until it reaches the processing plant
(production component).
METHODOLOGY
The choice of an appropriate automatic identification system like RFID will depend
on component characteristics and system features (Ilie-Zudor, et al., 2011). The
component characteristics (see Figure 1) refer to the RFID tag (description,
frequency, read distance), RFID reader, and communication network (hardware and
software). On the other hand, the RFID system features refer to cost, reliability,
security, openness and extensibility. Traditionally, RFID systems are applied to asset
and supply chain management (Eisma, T. 2015), such as in manufacturing,
warehousing, transportation, retailing, digital documents, agriculture (eg. animal
tracking and diagnosis), environment (eg. waste haulage and recycling), perishables,
fuel, chemicals, clothing, healthcare, sports/games, human identification, finance,
government and military (Ilie-Zudor, et al., 2011). For instance, RFID allows
automation of surveying processes, livestock health and other parameters due to the
favourable reading properties through living tissue (Reynolds and Riley, 2002) and
soil. Ilie-Zudor, et al. (2011) cite two applications in forestry:
CONSERVATION - Trees were tagged with RFID at the
University of Washington that replaced old-fashioned tree labels
that were either removed for one reason or another or damaged
irreparably. The RFID tags are inserted into every tree that in
time were covered by the bark, thus, providing protection. The
system is part of a tour of trees where participants get to know
about each tree around the campus using handheld readers.
TIMBER PRODUCTION - Harvested logs were stapled with
RFID tags to track timber along its movement from harvesting
until they reach the processing plant (Wessel, 2006b). The
system, developed by the Technical University of Munich,

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makes use of an RFID-enabled harvester fixed with an RFID


reader/interrogator and an on-board computer. The passive RFID
tag, manufactured by X-ident Technology, is covered with a
flexible plastic card and contains a chip made by NXP
Semiconductors. In addition, the tag operates on a high
frequency 13.56 MHz with a reading range of 3.28 ft (1 m) to 4.9
ft (1.5 m). The logs are then collected by a forwarder that is also
fitted with an RFID reader and stacked on a log landing.
Eventually, a truck (also fitted with an RFID reader) transports
the logs to a processing plant or sawmill (Figure 2).

FELLING! LOG! SAW!


FOREST! Harvester! AREA! Forwarder! LANDING! Truck! MILL!

Figure 2. Wood supply chain (after Timpe, 2005)

A similar system of RFID-enabled tree tagging was observed in Putra Jaya, Malaysia
(Figure 3; a - tagged tree being scanned with a handheld reader; b - tagged trees along
the Putra Jaya main boulevard).
Using a handheld reader/scanner, every tree with a unique alphanumeric code is read
and the data is encoded into a database. The database can be updated with new
information like date of visit, diameter (ie. DBH) reading, among others. Under a
contract with the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), a further expansion
of the system to at least 1,000 more trees in Putra Jaya including the trees in FRIM in
Kepong are planned (Omarali, A.R., 2014).

Figure 3. RFID-enabled tree management in Putra Jaya, Malaysia

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION


Compared to other identification systems like barcode or human-readable numbers,
RFID system offers the most advantage (Finkenzeller (2003) as cited by Timpe
(2005); Table 1). Due to the necessity of direct line of sight for a barcode system,
protection against adverse conditions like abrasion, excess heat, sunlight, humidity,
accumulation of dirt lead to reading failures. RFID tags, on the other hand, do not
require line of sight and thus can be encapsulated for protection from rough handling
and environmental impact while maintaining readability.

Table 1. Comparison of barcode and RFID


System parameters Barcode RFID
Typical data quantity (bytes) 1-100 16-64k
Data density Low Very high
Machine readability Good Good
Readability by people Limited Impossible
Influence of dirt/damp Very high No influence
Influence of (opt.) covering Total failure No influence
Influence of direction and position Low No influence
Degradation/wear Limited No influence
Purchase cost/reading electronics Very low Medium
Operating costs (e.g. printer) Low None
Unauthorized copying/modification Slight Impossible
Reading speed (including handling of data carrier) Low ~4s Very fast ~0.5s
Maximum distance between data
0-50 cm 0-5 m
carrier and reader

The entire system can have the following components, namely: geomatics and RFID.
Geomatics is composed of a rapid resource inventory system (Bantayan, et al. 2005)
and a geodatabase, mapping and statistical reporting system (Bantayan, 2006). The
rapid resource inventory system makes use of a GPS, compass, diameter tape,
hypsometer, densitometer and a camera. Plot locations can be located at the center
where the GPS is positioned. The inventory data will then be encoded into the
geodatabase allowing specific GIS maps to be produced and statistical analyses
conducted. For instance, Bantayan, et al (2008) used the geodatabase to show the
biodiversity status of certain portions of Mt Makiling. In 2014, Castillo, et al.
reported the biodiversity status of a two-hectare long-term ecological plot in Mt
Makiling where individual plants are geolocated and tree parameters such as species,
DBH, height, phenology, tree form, defects, among others are stored in a
geodatabase. Each tree is assigned a unique ID code as illustrated below:

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Tree ID:
p001t001 (example)
where: 001 = plot #; 001 = tree #
The RFID component is composed of the RFID tag, RFID reader and the
communication network. For the tag, it can be active or passive depending on
whether or not it carries a battery (Timpe, 2005). Passive tags do not carry batteries
and are only activated once a signal is received by the reader. Active tags have their
own energy source allowing a longer reading distance. However, active tags have a
relatively shorter lifespan of 5-10 years depending on the capacity of the battery. On
the other hand, passive tags, if they remain undamaged, can operate for a longer
period. In terms of cost, Timpe (2005) reported that active tags can cost between
USD10 and USD100. Passive tags with the metal coil and ring (Figure 3) can cost up
to USD1.93/unit or about USD 0.80/unit for the RFID tag only.
For forestry operations, the RFID tag should be able to withstand the harsh weather
and environmental conditions in the forest especially during harvesting, so that it
could survive being moved across oil-splattered and debris-strewn areas in stormy
weather (Wessel, 2006b). In a test of durability during a forest operation (ie. felling
timber and stacking logs) consisting of 500 tags that were encased in plastic the size
of a credit card, Wessel (2011) reported a 5% loss. In the same study, none of the
remaining tags were damaged. In addition to its durability in a forest environment,
individual tags need to be economical given the number of logs it will be fitted to. An
additional technical issue is its removal once it reaches the processing plant and
enters the production process. The plastic RFID nail cannot be tolerated by paper
mills since plastics harm the sensitive procedure of processing pulp. Thus, these nails
need to be removed before logs can be processed. (Timpe, D., 2006; Wessel, R.,
2006a).
In an application of a log tracking system or LTS developed by Cambium-
Forstbetriebe, an independent German forestry company (Timpe 2006; Carrigan,
2011), each log is clearly identified at the point where it is felled. Identification is
done by means of a unique RFID tag that avoids misidentification. The RFID tag can
be read with an appropriate reader at any point during the process chain, enabling
individual logs to be traced at any point in the process chain.
Data transmission between the RFID tag and reader must be made at the same wave
frequency (Timpe, 2005). Most RFID systems operate on low frequency (around 125
KHz), high frequency (13.56 MHz) and ultra-high frequency UHF (860-960 MHz).
Thus, the choice of frequency will depend on the application. For instance, low
frequency tags use less power but have a shorter read range. High frequency tags, on
the other hand, have a longer read range but use more power (www.rfidjournal.com).

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In the Philippines, its current system for monitoring forest stocks that meets national
and international forest governance standards contains gaps. In particular, uncertified
sources have to be avoided, thus, requiring that the wood supply chain as described
earlier need to be foolproof. To illustrate, imported forest products from 1993 until
2003 in terms of logs, lumber, veneer and plywood were higher than local production
(Table 2; Figure 4). Combined production in 2013 was reported at 710,166 cu.m.
compared to the previous year of 644,862 cu.m. However, from 2009 to 2013, the
combined imported forest products have been increasing, and if the trend continues,
the situation will most likely revert to the pre-2003 conditions where imports
dominated the local market. The RFID-enabled system is expected to substantially
reduce if not totally eradicate illegal logging by ensuring that logs are sourced from
certified plantations.
Table 2. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products from 1993 -
2013 (cu.m.)1
Year Production Import Export
1993 779,022 1,069,716 29,295
1994 704,957 703,932 30,523
1995 595,758 1,099,546 24,045
1996 903,771 1,540,485 27,477
1997 897,556 1,267,583 26,705
1998 527,634 796,401 22,250
1999 620,730 1,104,145 33,273
2000 614,800 1,063,625 43,227
2001 624,571 1,027,965 29,227
2002 685,403 910,416 25,659
2003 749,506 790,085 24,023
2004 905,768 476,987 20,841
2005 735,841 595,853 25,750
2006 845,035 359,187 29,409
2007 767,881 290,088 26,614
2008 694,815 236,988 25,205
2009 645,801 190,514 24,227
2010 789,557 265,009 30,818
2011 786,871 381,124 18,568
2012 644,862 488,361 68,841
2013 710,166 589,395 101,523
Source: Philippine Forestry Statistics 2013

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1
Based on combined values (in cubic meters) of logs, lumber, plywood, and veneer

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Figure 4. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products


from 1993 - 2013 (cu.m.)

CONCLUSION
An RFID-enabled system of tracking trees and lumber has been operational for at
least the last decade. The tree tour at the University of Washington campus and the
tree management in Putra Jaya, Malaysia are just two examples. The LTS or log
tracking system, on the other hand, monitors the harvested logs from the forest to the
sawmill basically to avoid losses and ensure certified sources. Cambium, the
developer of LTS, estimates that the application would cost up to USD6 per cubic
meter of harvested wood, assuming one unit of RFID tag costs between USD0.56 and
USD 0.20 (Ilie-Zudor, et al., 2011), plus the costs of associated hardware and
software. Ilie-Zudor, et al. (2011) reported that given the current technology of
silicon chips with a metal foil antenna, the cost is expected to go down to USD
0.05/unit in the next few years. In addition to cost, (Dyksta, D.P., et al., 2002) noted
some of the weaknesses of RFID:

• Available frequencies vary from country to country so there are


currently no internationally standardized RFID technologies.
• The cost of setting up an RFID system is high. The scanning devices
are expensive to purchase and require technical expertise to program
them for specific operations.
• There is usually no manual fallback when the technology fails

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In the same report, (Dyksta, D.P., et al., 2002) listed the advantages of RFID:

• signals can be read rapidly, remotely and under difficult conditions,


even under water
• RFID labels can potentially store a large amount of data with a high
level of security
• The labels can be difficult to counterfeit or tamper with and can
provide a high level of covert security.
• RFID readers can significantly facilitate data capture, data processing,
and security audits
• It is possible to encode RFID labels at all stages of the wood supply
chain from the field to the end-user
• RFID labels can enhance logistics and inventory functions.

Given the apparent advantages and expecting that the cost of the tag and readers will
significantly go down in the near future, installing an RFID-enabled tracking system
will provide more gains. An RFID-enabled tracking system will vastly improve the
verification of the origin of the harvested products from the forest.
In addition, precision forestry, in the context of this paper, can still be expanded to
take advantage of other technologies in the market. For instance, we used UAV or
unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the same long-term ecological plot illustrated
earlier (Bantayan, 2014; Castillo, et al, 2014a; Castillo, et al, 2014b). The images
produced through the UAV showed the canopies at a sufficiently-high resolution that
allowed discrimination of tree species. We also conducted a ground 3D LIDAR
scanning of the same plot, the results of which will be reported in a separate paper.
With the continuous advancement of information and communication technology and
more importantly, constantly decreasing cost (Ilie-Zudor, et al, 2011), the application
of RFID within the context of precision forestry is highly feasible.
REFERENCES
Bantayan, Nathaniel C, ERG Abraham and ES Fernando. (2008) Geodatabase
development for forest restoration and biodiversity conservation in the Mt Makiling
Forest Reserve. In: Philippine Agricultural Scientist 91(4):365-371.
Bantayan, Nathaniel C. (2006) GIS in the Philippines: Principles and Applications in
Forestry and Natural Resources. PARRFI and AKECU. Los Banos. 173 pages.
Bantayan, Nathaniel C. (2010) Precision Forestry: Towards Developing A Better
Picture Of Mt Makiling. UPLB Professorial Chair
Bantayan, Nathaniel C. (2014) Using Drones to Monitor Forest Dynamics: Prototype
for Precision Forestry Integrated with a Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID)
System 4th National Remote Sensing Conference New Era of Remote Sensing for A
More Resilient Philippines Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology
University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City August 28-29, 2014

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Bantayan, Nathaniel C., E. Castillo, F. Siapno, and C. Bandian. (2005) Inventory of


raw materials for the furniture and handicraft industries: Meeting industry’s
demands through a sustainable supply. In: The International Forestry Review
Vol.7(5), 2005 www.cfa-international.org
Carrigan, Robert, R. Milton, and D. Morrow. (2011) Log Tracking System 2005
Computerworld Honors Case Study. Project report.
Castillo Manuel L, NC Bantayan, and KJ Gonzalvo. (2014a) Plant Diversity in a
Two-hectare Permanent Plot in Molawin-Dampalit Subwatershed in Mt. Makiling
Forest Reserve Laguna Philippines. Poster session presented at: 2014 ILTER East
Asia Pacific 10th Biennial Meetings, 2014 June 5-6; UP Diliman, QC, Philippines.
Castillo Manuel L, NC Bantayan, and KJ Gonzalvo. (2014b) Plant Diversity
Assessment of the Two (2)-hectare Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring Plot in
Molawin-Dampalit Subwatershed, Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines. Paper
presented at: FORED 2014: International Conference on Forestry Education and
Research: Gearing Towards ASEAN 2015. 2014 Nov 19-21; Umali Auditorium,
SEARCA, UP Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
Dyksta D. P., G. Kuru, R. Taylor, R. Nussbaum, W. B. Magrath and J. Story. (2002)
Verifying and Monitoring the Chain of Custody and Legal Compliance in the Timber
Industry Technologies for Wood Tracking Environment and Social Development East
Asia and Pacific Region Discussion Paper The World Bank
Eisma, T.D. (2015) E-Konek Philippines. Pers. comm.
Elmore, AJ and JF Mustard. (2003) Precision and accuracy of EO-1 advanced land
imager (ALI) data for semiarid vegetation studies. In: IEEE Transactions On
Geoscience And Remote Sensing, Vol. 41, No. 6, June 2003.
Falkenberg, WH, JR Hartt and AA Vetter. (1994) The AirStar – a precision GPS
parallel swath guidance and tracking system. In: Transactions of the IEEE.
Ilie-Zudor, E., Z. Keme, F. van Blommestein, L. Monostori, and A. van der Meulen.
(2011) Survey paper: A survey of applications and requirements of unique
identification systems and RFID techniques. In: Computers in Industry 62 (2011)
227–252.
Jung, Tae-Woong, K-M Kim, J-H Koo, M-W Pyeon. (2009) Research on RFID
System Recognition Test under the Forestry Environment for Tree Management Fifth
International Joint Conference on INC, IMS and IDC
Jusoff, K. (2009) Precision forestry using airborne hyperspectral imaging sensor. In:
Journal of Agricultural Science. Vol 1 No 1. p.142-147.
Longley, P.A, M.F. Goodchild, D.J. Maguire and D.W. Rhind (2001) Geographic
Information System and Science John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK
Omarali, A.R. (2014). Forest Resources Institute of Malaysia. Pers. comm.
Reynolds, D.R. and J.R. Riley. (2002) Remote-sensing, telemetric and computer-
based technologies for investigating insect movement: a survey of existing and
potential techniques. In: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 35 (2002) 271–
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Swedberg Claire. (2005) Papermakers and sawmills deploy RFID systems in forests
to facilitate the loading, weighing and unloading of logging trucks.
Timpe, Daniel. (2005) Barcode And RFID Technologies: Alternatives To Log
Stamping For Wood Identification In Forestry? FSCN Fibre Science and
Communication Network, Department of Social Sciences, Mid Sweden University,
FSCN ISSN 1650 5387 2005:33; FSCN-rapport R-05-61
Timpe, Daniel. (2006) RFID in Forestry: Prospects of an RFID-based log tracking
system as an alternative to stamping FSCN Fibre Science and Communication
Network Rapportserie FSCN - ISSN 1650-5387 2006:39 FSCN-rapport R-06-63
Wessel, Rhea. (2006a) RFID Chops Timber Costs Using tags embedded in plastic
nails, German forestry company Cambium tracks logs as they move from the forest to
the factory. www.rfidjournal.com
Wessel, Rhea. (2006b) An RFID-enabled harvester staples tags into logs
automatically to help track timber moving through the processing line.
__________. 2014. Philippine Forestry Statistics 2013.
www.forestry.denr.gov.ph/statbook.htm

Tables

Table 1. Comparison of barcode and RFID


Comparison of two identification systems - barcode and RFID system. Table shows
the advantages offered by RFID. Due to the necessity of direct line of sight for a
barcode system, protection against adverse conditions like abrasion, excess heat,
sunlight, humidity, accumulation of dirt lead to reading failures. RFID tags do not
require line of sight and thus can be encapsulated for protection from rough handling
and environmental impact while maintaining readability.
Table 2. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products from
1993 - 2013 (cu.m.)
Shows the values (in cubic meters) of the combined production, import and export of
processed wood products over 20 years. Combined values comprise lumber, veneer,
plywood and logs. Table also shows that imported forest products in terms of logs,
lumber, veneer and plywood were higher than local production from 1993 until 2003
when local production overcame importation. Combined production in 2013 was
reported at 710,166 cu.m. compared to the previous year of 644,862 cu.m. However,
from 2009 to 2013, the imported forest products have been increasing, and if the
trend continues, the situation will most likely revert to the pre-2003 conditions where
imports dominated the local market.
Figures

Figure 1. Components of a basic RFID system

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Shows the components of a basic RFID system: RFID tag, RFID reader and
computer-based communication

Figure 2. Wood supply chain


Figure shows the location of logs at different stages from harvesting to the processing
plant. After felling, the logs are collected by a forwarder that is also fitted with an
RFID reader and stacked on a log landing. Eventually, a truck (also fitted with an
RFID reader) transports the logs to a processing plant or sawmill.

Figure 3. RFID-enabled tree management in Putra Jaya, Malaysia


An example of RFID-enabled tree tagging system in Putra Jaya, Malaysia . Figure
shows the tagged tree being scanned with a handheld reader; and the tagged trees
along the Putra Jaya main boulevard

Figure 4. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products from
1993 - 2013 (cu.m.)
Figure graphically shows the values (in cubic meters) of the combined production,
import and export of processed wood products over 20 years between 1993 and 2013

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