ERDC’s Forest Ecosystems Dynamics team developed the Global Forest Modeling Toolkit, which applies artificial intelligence and high-performance computing to provide detailed vegetation attributes of forests around the world.
Listen to the podcast with ERDC’s Dr. Nathan Beane: PowerofERDCpodcast.org/39-global-forest-modeling
Watch a video of the podcast: PowerofERDCpodcast.org/39-global-forest-modeling_video
For inquiries about ERDC’s Global Forest Modeling Toolkit, email ERDCinfo@usace.army.mil
During the summer of 2025, the Forest Ecosystem Dynamics team hosted cadets and midshipmen from each of the four U.S. service academies for a historic internship program. Part of each academy’s Cadet Summer Research Internship, it was the first known complete inter-academy internship.
During their time at ERDC, the cadets supported the development of the Global Forest Modeling Toolkit, including field data collection at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) in New Jersey and artificial intelligence model development at ERDC.
Field data collection at JBMDL included plot-level forest sampling to quantify forest attributes related to radiofrequency propagation through forests. The data collected will be used to inform mission critical environmental intelligence and was used to develop individual research projects tailored toward each cadet’s areas of study and experience.
Beyond the science, the internship focused on growth and collaboration, which included introducing the cadets and midshipmen to the world-class research and development ERDC delivers in support of the Warfighter, and how it might impact their future as military officers in ever-increasing complex and joint environments.
Watch the video to learn more.
