Timbertrail - a path forward in forestry
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Creative Optimization Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 113 550 |
| Project duration | August 2018 - January 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The project´s aim has been to develop an application that, with an optimization model, identifies optimal extraction routes for machines in harvesting, thereby minimizing the risk of soil damage and at the same time increase efficiency in harvesting. The basis for the optimization consists of digital information on soil moisture, forest density, height model etc. The project has been very successful and the application, Timbertrail, has attracted great interest among forest companies, forest machine manufacturers and other actors in forestry, both in Sweden and internationally.
Expected results and effects
Timbertrail, with its functionality and flexibility, lives up to the eligibility requirements and needs identified both before the project and at the start of the project. Users can easily create optimal extraction routes for the forest machines. Everywhere the application has been presented or demonstrated it has received a very positive response and several new applications have been identified during the project, eg. the benefit of being able to test different road alternatives in connection with the purchase of wood from private forest owners.
Planned approach and implementation
The project was carried out in seven work packages that began with requirements specification and ended with tests and demonstrations. Throughout the work, close contact with potential users has been maintained to ensure that functionality is developed as users wish. By attending trade fairs and conferences, the project and the product were marketed at the same time as a efficient dialogue with potential customers / users could be held. Time and cost of travel were underestimated in the project application, but the other parts could largely be kept to the budget.