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Nathaniel Bantayan
University of the Philippines Los Baños
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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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! !! !! ! !
!!! ! !!
Source:!
Source:!Timpe,!2006
www.rfidjournal.com
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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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).
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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
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1
Based on combined values (in cubic meters) of logs, lumber, plywood, and veneer
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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:
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In the same report, (Dyksta, D.P., et al., 2002) listed the advantages of RFID:
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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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
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Shows the components of a basic RFID system: RFID tag, RFID reader and
computer-based communication
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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