A team at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has created Greece’s first national satellite-based forest monitoring system, giving authorities a new tool to track forest ecosystems, protected areas, biodiversity, and wildfire-related risks.
The system was developed through the research project SAT4FOREST – Forest Monitoring Service, which the university coordinates. The project began in August 2024 and concludes in June 2026.
SAT4FOREST is part of Greece’s national microsatellite program, an initiative designed to expand the country’s use of space technology in public policy, environmental protection, and large-scale monitoring. The project operates with the contribution of the Hellenic Space Center and the European Space Agency.
How Greece’s forest monitoring system works
SAT4FOREST brings Earth observation into forest management by using high-resolution satellite data to map and assess ecosystems nationwide.
Researchers built the system around two core services. The first maps forest types and forest fuel, an important factor in wildfire risk assessment. The second monitors forest ecosystems and areas included in the Natura 2000 network.
To support these services, the platform uses multispectral, hyperspectral, and synthetic aperture radar, known as SAR, data. These technologies allow researchers to examine forests with high spatial and temporal accuracy and update information across large areas much faster than traditional field-based methods alone.
Mapping forests, fuel, and biodiversity
The new system can produce maps of forest species, combustible forest material, and biodiversity indicators. It can also help identify risks and pressures affecting forests and sensitive ecosystems.
These products aim to improve Greece’s understanding of its natural resources, strengthen environmental risk assessment, and support more effective forest management policies.
The platform also gives authorities a clearer picture of conditions inside protected sites. That function is especially important because many of the country’s most sensitive ecosystems fall within the Natura 2000 network and require regular monitoring.
Who will use the data
SAT4FOREST products are intended for several public bodies involved in forest and environmental management.
These include the Central Forest Service, regional Forest Directorates, and local Forest Offices across Greece. The Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection can also use the project’s outputs.
Research institutes, universities, and public or private organizations may use the data to develop additional tools, including risk maps and wildfire spread simulations.
Greece’s forest monitoring system offers faster forest protection
Satellite technology gives Greece the ability to monitor its entire territory quickly and cost-effectively. SAT4FOREST can update its information at least twice a year, and more often when conditions require closer observation.
Field measurements remain necessary because scientists need ground data to develop and verify their models. However, space-based monitoring adds a powerful decision-support tool for public authorities.
By combining ground observations with satellite imagery, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki team has created a system that can help Greece track forest health, assess environmental threats, and plan better responses to wildfire and climate-related risks.
SAT4FOREST runs under the microsatellite program of the Ministry of Digital Governance and receives funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
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