Core Insights - The article discusses the groundbreaking work of a research team led by Guo Qinghua at Peking University, which has developed China's first "Tree Density Map" that estimates the number of trees in the country, revealing approximately 142.6 billion trees as of 2020 [4][5][6] Group 1: Tree Density Map - The "Tree Density Map" shows a tree density of about 689 trees per hectare, with an average of 100 trees per person in China [4] - The map indicates that the southwestern region has the highest number of trees, approximately 36 billion, while the Yangtze River basin leads with about 49.6 billion trees [5][6] Group 2: Research Methodology - The research team utilized drones equipped with LiDAR sensors to scan forests, employing AI algorithms to analyze data and satellite remote sensing to create a comprehensive forest panorama [6][10] - Over a decade, the team collected data from over 70,000 sample plots, resulting in more than 400 terabytes of data, equivalent to over 80 million photos [6][7] Group 3: Technological Advancements - The team has developed an integrated remote sensing platform that includes various LiDAR systems, enabling high-precision data collection even in challenging terrains [10] - The use of LiDAR technology allows for detailed three-dimensional measurements of trees, overcoming limitations of traditional manual measurement methods [9][10] Group 4: Future Research and Conservation - The ongoing research aims to understand the optimal types and quantities of trees to plant in different regions, aligning with China's "dual carbon" goals [8] - The team has also discovered exceptionally tall trees, including a 102.3-meter high Tibetan cypress, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the groundbreaking work of a research team led by Guo Qinghua at Peking University, which has developed China's first "Tree Density Map" that estimates the number of trees in the country, revealing significant insights into forest resources and distribution [3][5]. Group 1: Tree Density Map - The "Tree Density Map" indicates that as of 2020, China has approximately 142.6 billion trees, with an average tree density of about 689 trees per hectare, equating to roughly 100 trees per person [3]. - The map shows that the southwestern region has the highest number of trees, approximately 36 billion, while the Yangtze River basin leads with about 49.6 billion trees [3][4]. Group 2: Research Methodology - The research team utilized drones equipped with LiDAR sensors to scan forests, employing AI algorithms to analyze data and satellite remote sensing to create a comprehensive forest panorama [4][6]. - Over a decade, the team collected data from over 70,000 sample plots, resulting in more than 400 terabytes of data, equivalent to over 80 million photos [4][5]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The use of LiDAR technology has enabled the team to gather detailed three-dimensional information about trees, including height, diameter, and crown size, which traditional methods could not efficiently capture [6][7]. - The team has developed an integrated remote sensing platform that includes various laser radar systems, enhancing data collection capabilities in challenging terrains [7]. Group 4: Future Research and Conservation - The ongoing research aims to understand the optimal types and quantities of trees to plant in various regions, aligning with China's "dual carbon" goals for better ecological benefits [5][9]. - The discovery of exceptionally tall trees, such as a 102.3-meter high Tibetan cypress, highlights the importance of continued exploration and the need to foster a greater appreciation for nature [9][10].

Core Insights - The article discusses the groundbreaking research led by Professor Guo Qinghua and his team, which resulted in the creation of China's first "tree density map," revealing that there are approximately 142.6 billion trees in China as of 2020, with an average tree density of about 689 trees per hectare, equating to roughly 100 trees per person in China [2][4][12] Group 1: Tree Density Mapping - The tree density map was developed over a decade using advanced technologies such as drones, laser radar, and AI algorithms to accurately estimate tree numbers across 9.6 million square kilometers of land [5][6] - The map provides detailed information on tree distribution, with the Yangtze River basin having about 49.6 billion trees, and provinces like Sichuan, Heilongjiang, Yunnan, and Guangxi collectively accounting for 32% of the total tree count [4][6] Group 2: Technological Innovations - The research utilized laser radar technology to create high-resolution 3D point cloud data, allowing for precise measurements of tree height, crown size, and other structural parameters [8][9] - The team faced challenges such as weather conditions affecting measurement accuracy and the difficulty of identifying lower canopy trees due to upper canopy obstruction, which they addressed through advanced data processing techniques [6][9] Group 3: Ecological and Cultural Significance - The existence of giant trees has ecological importance and is intertwined with local cultural beliefs, as seen in regions where communities revere these trees as sacred [10] - The research aims to balance modern development with traditional cultural preservation, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in ecological protection [10][13] Group 4: Future Research and Goals - The team is also involved in creating a new generation of vegetation maps to reflect significant changes in vegetation types over the past 40 years, highlighting the need for updated ecological data [11][12] - The research supports China's "dual carbon" goals by providing a more accurate "green ledger" that includes not only forest area but also carbon storage and biodiversity metrics [13]