VIHMA - Balance of Green and Grey

The VIHMA (Balance of Green and Grey) project demonstrates the potential of new advanced technologies (airborne laser scanning, drone imaging, and mobile mapping including mobile laser scanning and mobile imaging) and makes data available to stakeholders in the field. The project addresses critical green structures in city environments using advanced airborne and mobile laser scanning technology. Its main goal is to improve the greenness, biodiversity, and climate resilience of urban and municipal areas. The project addresses several pressing issues related to urban green infrastructure and its maintenance. 

Fragmentation of Green Corridors - As cities grow, animal habitats and movement corridors become fragmented. This hinders the movement of animals, such as flying squirrels and moose, and weakens gene flow. VIHMA uses data from aerial and mobile laser scanning to map these green corridors and identify fragmentation, which helps ensure safe routes for animals and maintains the functionality of urban ecosystems. 

Lack of Data for Restoration Mandates - The EU Restoration Regulation sets targets for canopy cover, but current satellite data (e.g., Copernicus) is too imprecise to identify individual trees. This prevents an accurate assessment of the real canopy situation and its optimization. VIHMA demonstrates more precise laser scanning methods that can identify individual trees. The project also produces open data to show which sizes and species of trees are visible in different datasets. 

Critical Cooling Trees - Climate change-induced heatwaves highlight the need for natural cooling solutions, especially near vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Trees provide shade, lower surface temperatures, and improve air quality. VIHMA maps and demonstrates how laser scanning can be used to identify the location and importance of critical cooling trees near schools and nursing homes. This helps to enhance urban planning and energy savings. 

Biodiverse and Valuable Trees - Urban biodiversity is under threat because municipalities lack precise information on their most valuable habitats. The oldest and largest trees, like aspens, act as cornerstones of the ecosystem, providing habitats for countless species. VIHMA demonstrates technology that can accurately locate and map these valuable individual trees, enabling their protection and consideration in land-use planning. 

VIHMA is not only focused on solving local problems but aims to demonstrate new, effective methods and concepts that can be used more widely. The project emphasizes showcasing the potential of new technologies and solutions to RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) actors and businesses. The goal is to promote the development of new services, so that municipalities and cities can use more precise data in their future decision-making.