Explore the forest virtually

Based on the terrain and tree data of the Punkaharju Research Park, a virtual forest of approximately 100 hectares has been created. Anyone interested can explore the virtual forest through the accompanying application and observe how the forest, vegetation, as well as small and large landscapes change over time and with forest management practices.

The Virtual Forest developed by Stora Enso Metsä is a free online service that allows every Finnish forest owner to virtually explore their own forest using a computer or mobile device.
The application combines forest-related information from various sources into a three-dimensional
image and provides, among other things, a visual representation of the forest's future – five, ten, 15, or 20 years ahead.

The 3D view is based on forest resource data maintained by the Finnish Forest Centre. In addition, it utilizes the Finnish Geospatial Institute's laser-scanned elevation model and general map data of lakes, rivers, and roads. The application includes simulated landscapes of all Finnish private forests, and any forest owner can start using the service right away, following the principles of open public data.

The simulation feature for the future is based on recommendations for forest management actions and updated data. In the Virtual Forest, you can also see the expected harvest yields and cost impacts of planned activities.

The Virtual Forest is part of Stora Enso's eMetsä online service, which is a versatile tool for
managing forest affairs. To use the Virtual Forest, registration in eMetsä at www.emetsa.fi.
is required. The accounts are free, and opening them does not require timber trading with Stora Enso.

*Download the application by clicking the button below. Open the zip file and launch the application by double-clicking on the virtual forest.exe. The application only works on desktop computers, not on mobile devices.