University of Maryland geosciences professors and NASA professors are using advanced technology installed on the international space station to conduct the global ecosystem dynamics survey (GEDI).
Scientists measure the amount of carbon stored in forests by calculating the size and shape of individual trees using alasaer pointer imaging system 250 miles from earth. It is not clear how much carbon is stored in forests, so it is hard to judge the effectiveness of conservation or regeneration, a gap that GEDI aims to fill.
Compared to field work, GEDI can provide highly accurate measurements and save scientists from mosquito bites.