The WALDATLAS geodata platform has been expanded to include a nationwide 3D representation of Austria’s forests. For the first time, a three-dimensional visualisation of key forest and natural area data is available for the entire country.
The new feature significantly enhances possibilities for analysis, planning, and communication. Three-dimensional maps facilitate the representation of slope gradients, hazard zones, and the spatial distribution of natural hazards. By combining multiple thematic layers, complex interrelations can be visualised and analysed more clearly – particularly in planning and stakeholder engagement processes.
WALDATLAS is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK). For several years, it has provided free access to geodata on forests, natural hazards, and protected areas. The addition of the 3D view marks a further functional development of the platform. Two new thematic layers have also been integrated: a tree species map classified into 14 practice-oriented categories and a tree height map calculated in 5-metre intervals.
The further development of WALDATLAS is based on close geodata cooperation with the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying (BEV), the Institute of Forest Inventory at the Federal Research Centre for Forests (BFW), and the relevant departments within the BMLUK.
In the future, time-based visualisations are also planned, for example to illustrate forest development and the impacts of climate change.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and the Environment Norbert Totschnig states:
“The WALDATLAS makes the forest understandable and tangible. It also provides important information on biodiversity and protection against natural hazards. This digital tool creates a sound basis for forward-looking decisions and strengthens the responsible management of the valuable forest ecosystem.”