Core Insights - The first "Tree Density Map" of China reveals that as of 2020, there are approximately 142.6 billion trees in the country, equating to about 100 trees per person for the 1.4 billion population [1] - The initiative to quantify trees stems from the urgent need for precise data to support green development and carbon neutrality goals, moving beyond macro-level statistics to a detailed understanding of forest resources [1][2] - Advanced technologies, particularly LiDAR, have been pivotal in accurately measuring tree height, shape, and location, enabling efficient data collection across vast areas [2][3] Group 1 - The project involved extensive fieldwork, covering over 76,000 sample plots and collecting more than 400 terabytes of data, equivalent to over 80 million electronic photos [3] - The development of algorithms for drone flight and data analysis has allowed for the creation of a comprehensive tree density map, overcoming challenges posed by varied terrain and complex forest canopies [3] - The commitment to rigorous scientific research remains unchanged despite technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of foundational fieldwork [3][4] Group 2 - The discovery of Asia's tallest tree in Tibet highlights the significance of trees as living history and their role in understanding natural ecosystems [4] - The ongoing efforts aim to enhance the digital "account book" of China's natural ecology, contributing to the preservation of the country's green foundation [4]