Fire and Forest Restoration
Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, Mexico

Mixed conifer forests in the Sierra San Pedro de Mártir (SSPM) are broadly similar to some mixed conifer forests in California but studies of fire-scar dendrochronology in California and SSPM demonstrate they have a different fire history. In California, fires historical burned every 5-15 years until about 1900 when fire suppression was implemented while frequent fire continued at least until 1950 in the SSPM. More recent and continuous interactions between fire and vegetation in the SSPM has created forest conditions distinct from those in current California forests. Forest conditions created by more frequent fire inthe SSPM are thought to broadly represent a historical reference forCalifornia mixed conifer forests. This project uses visually captured forest conditions at locations with field data to communicate conditions in SSPM to managers, scientists, and other stakeholders using web-based and phone-based (android) communication tools.

See Ishi Web-VR and iVR Experience, as examples of the products.

360° photography was taken at 4 feet and 27 feet above the forest floor on a tripod at geo-located points that already have measurements of forest structure. Imagery was processed, stitched, and then integrated with field data and web. Phone-based communication tools were developed and deployed.

360° photography Personnel

Field Team: Natalie Pawlikowski (leader, ecologist, some Spanish language training), Arif Masrur (360° photography, iVR expertise).

Timeline: Fieldwork (June 5-12, 2018), imagery processing, integration and deployment (July-December, 2018).