OPEN GEODATA AND OPEN-SOURCE GIS IN THE CENTER FOR FOREST ECOLOGY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (CEPF RAS)

Abstract. Open data and Open-source tools are widely and globally used in the activities of research institutions. Particularity of scientific projects at the Center for Forest Ecology and Productivity of the Russian Academy of Sciences (CEPF RAS) includes ecology and productivity of forests in Russia. In order to emphasize and to develop the ecosystem functions, resources and environmental potential of Russian forests the Center uses geoinformational and remote sensing methods and tools. Logistically complex and economically costly ground access to the forest fires and forest resources is the specific feature of Russian forest domain. Open Data and Open Source tools have an essential methodological, technological meaning, as well as a potential for the forestry challenges in the country. We present an Open GeoData and Open Source GIS’s experience of ongoing activities devoted to the transport modelling (transport accessibility in the forests and emission of carbon dioxide). An “Open”-research direction extends the activities of the “Transportation Task” group by implementing OSM and QGIS with its plugins. CEPF popularizes Open data and Open Source in their geo-applications by giving lectures and publishing papers in the “Forest Science Issues” interdisciplinary journal.