After sections of forest are cut down, GIS and aerial photography techniques can be used to assess the speed and success of re-growth. This story of remote sensing and forestry can be continued through timber shipping, which uses remote sensing to operate ocean vessels safely and efficiently. SAR systems provide long-range, high resolution images using extensive electronic processing of data, and can monitor the ocean surface and detect wave height and movement. Scatterometers, high frequency microwave radar sensors designed to sense ocean surface condition, are used to measure wind speed and direction at the surface. Combined data from these sensors provide reliable information on ocean activity and facilitate efficient route planning.
Ships also rely on radar weather predictions and sea ice detection for safe navigation.
Ships themselves are tracked with radar to pinpoint their location and proximity to other ships. Finally, if an accident does take place during shipping, remote sensing can be used to minimize damage. Rescue personnel use radar and aerial sensing to quickly locate a damaged ship. In the case of an oil spill, remote sensing information can be used to map the extent of the spill and track its spread by monitoring wave movement and wind speed. By making shipping more effective, remote sensing aids the forestry industry at the end as well as the beginning of the timber cycle.