Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
Integrating Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and Geomatics Towards Precision Forestry Nathaniel!C.!Bantayan! College!of!Forestry!and!Natural!Resources,!University!of!the!Philippines!Los!Banos! Tel:!63B49B5362557!!!EBmail:
[email protected]! ! The!research!is!financed!by!the!University!of!the!Philippines!Creative!Work!and!Research!Grant!
ABSTRACT A prototype of precision forestry that integrates radio-frequency identification (RFID) and geomatics is described where parameters of forest growth like diameter, height and crown size can be collected on a regular basis using an RFID system, trees are geolocated and the data are stored in a geodatabase. Individual trees are fitted with RFID tags and read by an RFID scanner. The data can be fed into a geodatabase of a GIS application that allows spatially-explicit monitoring and visualization. In the proposed system, a two-fold objective is prescribed, namely: conservation and production where trees and other flora are monitored for long-term ecological forest growth and dynamics in the former and tracking of logs from the time of harvest until the transport to the primary wood processing plant in the latter. An RFID-enabled tracking system for Philippine forestry will improve the verification of the origin of harvested products, thus, substantially reduce illegal logging by ensuring that logs are sourced from certified plantations. This pioneering precision forestry is the first to combine RFID and geomatics. Keywords: RFID, geomatics, precision forestry, biodiversity, log tracking system INTRODUCTION For years, precision technologies have been applied in agriculture to ensure optimal production by fitting agricultural equipment like sensors, monitors and controllers with GIS and GPS to enable more accurate release of chemical applications, produce high resolution maps and provide opportunities for analysis with the end in view of improving the benefit cost ratio. And because waste is held to a minimum, precision farming has been considered synonymous with conservation farming. Similarly applied in the field of forestry, precision forestry or conservation forestry seeks to monitor “ . . . forest information parameters (i.e. DBH, height, crown size) ... for sustainable forest management and link this dataset to the ground using advanced methods in information and communications technology . . . “ (Bantayan, 2010). With the use of precision technologies available in the field of geomatics (ie. GPS, high resolution remote sensing, GIS), there are clear benefits for biodiversity !
241
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
conservation and sustainable production of forest resources. In particular, “. . . precision forestry can lead to a more detailed identification of interactions at the genetic, species and site (or habitat) levels to ensure higher success rate of conservation, forest rehabilitation and restoration . . .” (Bantayan, 2010). There are numerous other applications of precision forestry: higher resolution climate change impact studies; more precise identification of biodiversity hotspots; higher survival rates of planted seedlings; improved forest inventory and assessment; among others. Geomatics is a scientific approach that addresses the fundamental issues raised by the use of GIS and related technologies (Longley, et al., 2001). It may include the integration of GIS with GPS, remote sensing and other technologies for visualization, modeling of impacts, designing interventions, prescribing mitigation measures, among others. On the other hand, radio frequency identification (RFID) is a generic term that is used to describe a system that wirelessly transmits the identity of an object or person in the form of a unique alphanumeric code using radio waves. The signal is received by the RFID tag (or RFID transponder that comprise a microchip attached to an antenna) within the range of detection. The tags reply with a coded signal, and this allows the tagged objects (or trees) to be uniquely identified (Reynolds and Riley, 2002). Also, RFID technology does not require contact or line of sight for communication and data can be read through the human body, clothing and non-metallic materials. A basic RFID system consists of three components, namely: RFID tag, RFID reader and computer-based communication (Figure 1):
! !! !!!
!! ! ! !!
!
Source:!Timpe,!2006
RFID!Tag (with!string,!ring,!label)
RFID!Reader
Source:! www.rfidjournal.com
Communication (computer!hardware/software)
Figure 1. Components of a basic RFID system In 2009, Jusoff reported a system that made use of airborne hyperspectral remote sensing to identify, classify and map individual trees in the forested areas of Peninsular Malaysia taking advantage of the hyperspectral imager’s ability to detect molecular absorption and particle ‘signatures’ of constituents allowing identification of individual plants. Ilie-Zudor, et al. (2011) reported the application of a wireless sensor system that tracked plant conditions in real time and automatically triggered actions like watering and changing temperature to steer continued plant growth.
!
242
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
In the context of conservation and production, precision forestry seeks to integrate geospatial technology and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system. In this paper, precision forestry has a two-fold objective: conservation and production, that is, assessment and monitoring of trees and associated flora for forest growth and dynamics in the former and tracking of logs from the time of harvest until the transport to the primary wood processing plant in the latter. Two integral components of precision forestry are identified: geomatics and RFID. Geomatics seeks to install a spatially-explicit system to map (ie. geolocate) and store (ie. geodatabase) the trees and other flora. On the other hand, the RFID system tags the trees and other flora (conservation component), and the felled timber until it reaches the processing plant (production component). METHODOLOGY The choice of an appropriate automatic identification system like RFID will depend on component characteristics and system features (Ilie-Zudor, et al., 2011). The component characteristics (see Figure 1) refer to the RFID tag (description, frequency, read distance), RFID reader, and communication network (hardware and software). On the other hand, the RFID system features refer to cost, reliability, security, openness and extensibility. Traditionally, RFID systems are applied to asset and supply chain management (Eisma, T. 2015), such as in manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, retailing, digital documents, agriculture (eg. animal tracking and diagnosis), environment (eg. waste haulage and recycling), perishables, fuel, chemicals, clothing, healthcare, sports/games, human identification, finance, government and military (Ilie-Zudor, et al., 2011). For instance, RFID allows automation of surveying processes, livestock health and other parameters due to the favourable reading properties through living tissue (Reynolds and Riley, 2002) and soil. Ilie-Zudor, et al. (2011) cite two applications in forestry: CONSERVATION - Trees were tagged with RFID at the University of Washington that replaced old-fashioned tree labels that were either removed for one reason or another or damaged irreparably. The RFID tags are inserted into every tree that in time were covered by the bark, thus, providing protection. The system is part of a tour of trees where participants get to know about each tree around the campus using handheld readers. TIMBER PRODUCTION - Harvested logs were stapled with RFID tags to track timber along its movement from harvesting until they reach the processing plant (Wessel, 2006b). The system, developed by the Technical University of Munich,
!
243
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
makes use of an RFID-enabled harvester fixed with an RFID reader/interrogator and an on-board computer. The passive RFID tag, manufactured by X-ident Technology, is covered with a flexible plastic card and contains a chip made by NXP Semiconductors. In addition, the tag operates on a high frequency 13.56 MHz with a reading range of 3.28 ft (1 m) to 4.9 ft (1.5 m). The logs are then collected by a forwarder that is also fitted with an RFID reader and stacked on a log landing. Eventually, a truck (also fitted with an RFID reader) transports the logs to a processing plant or sawmill (Figure 2).
FOREST!
Harvester!
FELLING! AREA!
Forwarder!
LOG! LANDING!
Truck!
SAW! MILL!
Figure 2. Wood supply chain (after Timpe, 2005) A similar system of RFID-enabled tree tagging was observed in Putra Jaya, Malaysia (Figure 3; a - tagged tree being scanned with a handheld reader; b - tagged trees along the Putra Jaya main boulevard). Using a handheld reader/scanner, every tree with a unique alphanumeric code is read and the data is encoded into a database. The database can be updated with new information like date of visit, diameter (ie. DBH) reading, among others. Under a contract with the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), a further expansion of the system to at least 1,000 more trees in Putra Jaya including the trees in FRIM in Kepong are planned (Omarali, A.R., 2014).
Figure 3. RFID-enabled tree management in Putra Jaya, Malaysia !
244
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Compared to other identification systems like barcode or human-readable numbers, RFID system offers the most advantage (Finkenzeller (2003) as cited by Timpe (2005); Table 1). Due to the necessity of direct line of sight for a barcode system, protection against adverse conditions like abrasion, excess heat, sunlight, humidity, accumulation of dirt lead to reading failures. RFID tags, on the other hand, do not require line of sight and thus can be encapsulated for protection from rough handling and environmental impact while maintaining readability. Table 1. Comparison of barcode and RFID System parameters Typical data quantity (bytes) Data density Machine readability Readability by people Influence of dirt/damp Influence of (opt.) covering Influence of direction and position Degradation/wear Purchase cost/reading electronics Operating costs (e.g. printer) Unauthorized copying/modification Reading speed (including handling of data carrier) Maximum distance between data carrier and reader
Barcode 1-100 Low Good Limited Very high Total failure Low Limited Very low Low Slight Low ~4s
RFID 16-64k Very high Good Impossible No influence No influence No influence No influence Medium None Impossible Very fast ~0.5s
0-50 cm
0-5 m
The entire system can have the following components, namely: geomatics and RFID. Geomatics is composed of a rapid resource inventory system (Bantayan, et al. 2005) and a geodatabase, mapping and statistical reporting system (Bantayan, 2006). The rapid resource inventory system makes use of a GPS, compass, diameter tape, hypsometer, densitometer and a camera. Plot locations can be located at the center where the GPS is positioned. The inventory data will then be encoded into the geodatabase allowing specific GIS maps to be produced and statistical analyses conducted. For instance, Bantayan, et al (2008) used the geodatabase to show the biodiversity status of certain portions of Mt Makiling. In 2014, Castillo, et al. reported the biodiversity status of a two-hectare long-term ecological plot in Mt Makiling where individual plants are geolocated and tree parameters such as species, DBH, height, phenology, tree form, defects, among others are stored in a geodatabase. Each tree is assigned a unique ID code as illustrated below: !
245
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
Tree ID: p001t001 (example) where: 001 = plot #; 001 = tree # The RFID component is composed of the RFID tag, RFID reader and the communication network. For the tag, it can be active or passive depending on whether or not it carries a battery (Timpe, 2005). Passive tags do not carry batteries and are only activated once a signal is received by the reader. Active tags have their own energy source allowing a longer reading distance. However, active tags have a relatively shorter lifespan of 5-10 years depending on the capacity of the battery. On the other hand, passive tags, if they remain undamaged, can operate for a longer period. In terms of cost, Timpe (2005) reported that active tags can cost between USD10 and USD100. Passive tags with the metal coil and ring (Figure 3) can cost up to USD1.93/unit or about USD 0.80/unit for the RFID tag only. For forestry operations, the RFID tag should be able to withstand the harsh weather and environmental conditions in the forest especially during harvesting, so that it could survive being moved across oil-splattered and debris-strewn areas in stormy weather (Wessel, 2006b). In a test of durability during a forest operation (ie. felling timber and stacking logs) consisting of 500 tags that were encased in plastic the size of a credit card, Wessel (2011) reported a 5% loss. In the same study, none of the remaining tags were damaged. In addition to its durability in a forest environment, individual tags need to be economical given the number of logs it will be fitted to. An additional technical issue is its removal once it reaches the processing plant and enters the production process. The plastic RFID nail cannot be tolerated by paper mills since plastics harm the sensitive procedure of processing pulp. Thus, these nails need to be removed before logs can be processed. (Timpe, D., 2006; Wessel, R., 2006a). In an application of a log tracking system or LTS developed by CambiumForstbetriebe, an independent German forestry company (Timpe 2006; Carrigan, 2011), each log is clearly identified at the point where it is felled. Identification is done by means of a unique RFID tag that avoids misidentification. The RFID tag can be read with an appropriate reader at any point during the process chain, enabling individual logs to be traced at any point in the process chain. Data transmission between the RFID tag and reader must be made at the same wave frequency (Timpe, 2005). Most RFID systems operate on low frequency (around 125 KHz), high frequency (13.56 MHz) and ultra-high frequency UHF (860-960 MHz). Thus, the choice of frequency will depend on the application. For instance, low frequency tags use less power but have a shorter read range. High frequency tags, on the other hand, have a longer read range but use more power (www.rfidjournal.com).
!
246
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
In the Philippines, its current system for monitoring forest stocks that meets national and international forest governance standards contains gaps. In particular, uncertified sources have to be avoided, thus, requiring that the wood supply chain as described earlier need to be foolproof. To illustrate, imported forest products from 1993 until 2003 in terms of logs, lumber, veneer and plywood were higher than local production (Table 2; Figure 4). Combined production in 2013 was reported at 710,166 cu.m. compared to the previous year of 644,862 cu.m. However, from 2009 to 2013, the combined imported forest products have been increasing, and if the trend continues, the situation will most likely revert to the pre-2003 conditions where imports dominated the local market. The RFID-enabled system is expected to substantially reduce if not totally eradicate illegal logging by ensuring that logs are sourced from certified plantations. Table 2. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products from 1993 2013 (cu.m.)1
Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Production Import Export 779,022 1,069,716 29,295 704,957 703,932 30,523 595,758 1,099,546 24,045 903,771 1,540,485 27,477 897,556 1,267,583 26,705 527,634 796,401 22,250 620,730 1,104,145 33,273 614,800 1,063,625 43,227 624,571 1,027,965 29,227 685,403 910,416 25,659 749,506 790,085 24,023 905,768 476,987 20,841 735,841 595,853 25,750 845,035 359,187 29,409 767,881 290,088 26,614 694,815 236,988 25,205 645,801 190,514 24,227 789,557 265,009 30,818 786,871 381,124 18,568 644,862 488,361 68,841 710,166 589,395 101,523 Source: Philippine Forestry Statistics 2013
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1
Based on combined values (in cubic meters) of logs, lumber, plywood, and veneer
!
247
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
Figure 4. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products from 1993 - 2013 (cu.m.) CONCLUSION An RFID-enabled system of tracking trees and lumber has been operational for at least the last decade. The tree tour at the University of Washington campus and the tree management in Putra Jaya, Malaysia are just two examples. The LTS or log tracking system, on the other hand, monitors the harvested logs from the forest to the sawmill basically to avoid losses and ensure certified sources. Cambium, the developer of LTS, estimates that the application would cost up to USD6 per cubic meter of harvested wood, assuming one unit of RFID tag costs between USD0.56 and USD 0.20 (Ilie-Zudor, et al., 2011), plus the costs of associated hardware and software. Ilie-Zudor, et al. (2011) reported that given the current technology of silicon chips with a metal foil antenna, the cost is expected to go down to USD 0.05/unit in the next few years. In addition to cost, (Dyksta, D.P., et al., 2002) noted some of the weaknesses of RFID: • •
•
Available frequencies vary from country to country so there are currently no internationally standardized RFID technologies. The cost of setting up an RFID system is high. The scanning devices are expensive to purchase and require technical expertise to program them for specific operations. There is usually no manual fallback when the technology fails
!
248
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
In the same report, (Dyksta, D.P., et al., 2002) listed the advantages of RFID: • • • • • •
signals can be read rapidly, remotely and under difficult conditions, even under water RFID labels can potentially store a large amount of data with a high level of security The labels can be difficult to counterfeit or tamper with and can provide a high level of covert security. RFID readers can significantly facilitate data capture, data processing, and security audits It is possible to encode RFID labels at all stages of the wood supply chain from the field to the end-user RFID labels can enhance logistics and inventory functions.
Given the apparent advantages and expecting that the cost of the tag and readers will significantly go down in the near future, installing an RFID-enabled tracking system will provide more gains. An RFID-enabled tracking system will vastly improve the verification of the origin of the harvested products from the forest. In addition, precision forestry, in the context of this paper, can still be expanded to take advantage of other technologies in the market. For instance, we used UAV or unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the same long-term ecological plot illustrated earlier (Bantayan, 2014; Castillo, et al, 2014a; Castillo, et al, 2014b). The images produced through the UAV showed the canopies at a sufficiently-high resolution that allowed discrimination of tree species. We also conducted a ground 3D LIDAR scanning of the same plot, the results of which will be reported in a separate paper. With the continuous advancement of information and communication technology and more importantly, constantly decreasing cost (Ilie-Zudor, et al, 2011), the application of RFID within the context of precision forestry is highly feasible. REFERENCES Bantayan, Nathaniel C, ERG Abraham and ES Fernando. (2008) Geodatabase development for forest restoration and biodiversity conservation in the Mt Makiling Forest Reserve. In: Philippine Agricultural Scientist 91(4):365-371. Bantayan, Nathaniel C. (2006) GIS in the Philippines: Principles and Applications in Forestry and Natural Resources. PARRFI and AKECU. Los Banos. 173 pages. Bantayan, Nathaniel C. (2010) Precision Forestry: Towards Developing A Better Picture Of Mt Makiling. UPLB Professorial Chair Bantayan, Nathaniel C. (2014) Using Drones to Monitor Forest Dynamics: Prototype for Precision Forestry Integrated with a Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) System 4th National Remote Sensing Conference New Era of Remote Sensing for A More Resilient Philippines Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City August 28-29, 2014 !
249
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
Bantayan, Nathaniel C., E. Castillo, F. Siapno, and C. Bandian. (2005) Inventory of raw materials for the furniture and handicraft industries: Meeting industry’s demands through a sustainable supply. In: The International Forestry Review Vol.7(5), 2005 www.cfa-international.org Carrigan, Robert, R. Milton, and D. Morrow. (2011) Log Tracking System 2005 Computerworld Honors Case Study. Project report. Castillo Manuel L, NC Bantayan, and KJ Gonzalvo. (2014a) Plant Diversity in a Two-hectare Permanent Plot in Molawin-Dampalit Subwatershed in Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve Laguna Philippines. Poster session presented at: 2014 ILTER East Asia Pacific 10th Biennial Meetings, 2014 June 5-6; UP Diliman, QC, Philippines. Castillo Manuel L, NC Bantayan, and KJ Gonzalvo. (2014b) Plant Diversity Assessment of the Two (2)-hectare Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring Plot in Molawin-Dampalit Subwatershed, Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines. Paper presented at: FORED 2014: International Conference on Forestry Education and Research: Gearing Towards ASEAN 2015. 2014 Nov 19-21; Umali Auditorium, SEARCA, UP Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. Dyksta D. P., G. Kuru, R. Taylor, R. Nussbaum, W. B. Magrath and J. Story. (2002) Verifying and Monitoring the Chain of Custody and Legal Compliance in the Timber Industry Technologies for Wood Tracking Environment and Social Development East Asia and Pacific Region Discussion Paper The World Bank Eisma, T.D. (2015) E-Konek Philippines. Pers. comm. Elmore, AJ and JF Mustard. (2003) Precision and accuracy of EO-1 advanced land imager (ALI) data for semiarid vegetation studies. In: IEEE Transactions On Geoscience And Remote Sensing, Vol. 41, No. 6, June 2003. Falkenberg, WH, JR Hartt and AA Vetter. (1994) The AirStar – a precision GPS parallel swath guidance and tracking system. In: Transactions of the IEEE. Ilie-Zudor, E., Z. Keme, F. van Blommestein, L. Monostori, and A. van der Meulen. (2011) Survey paper: A survey of applications and requirements of unique identification systems and RFID techniques. In: Computers in Industry 62 (2011) 227–252. Jung, Tae-Woong, K-M Kim, J-H Koo, M-W Pyeon. (2009) Research on RFID System Recognition Test under the Forestry Environment for Tree Management Fifth International Joint Conference on INC, IMS and IDC Jusoff, K. (2009) Precision forestry using airborne hyperspectral imaging sensor. In: Journal of Agricultural Science. Vol 1 No 1. p.142-147. Longley, P.A, M.F. Goodchild, D.J. Maguire and D.W. Rhind (2001) Geographic Information System and Science John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK Omarali, A.R. (2014). Forest Resources Institute of Malaysia. Pers. comm. Reynolds, D.R. and J.R. Riley. (2002) Remote-sensing, telemetric and computerbased technologies for investigating insect movement: a survey of existing and potential techniques. In: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 35 (2002) 271– 307.
!
250
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
Swedberg Claire. (2005) Papermakers and sawmills deploy RFID systems in forests to facilitate the loading, weighing and unloading of logging trucks. Timpe, Daniel. (2005) Barcode And RFID Technologies: Alternatives To Log Stamping For Wood Identification In Forestry? FSCN Fibre Science and Communication Network, Department of Social Sciences, Mid Sweden University, FSCN ISSN 1650 5387 2005:33; FSCN-rapport R-05-61 Timpe, Daniel. (2006) RFID in Forestry: Prospects of an RFID-based log tracking system as an alternative to stamping FSCN Fibre Science and Communication Network Rapportserie FSCN - ISSN 1650-5387 2006:39 FSCN-rapport R-06-63 Wessel, Rhea. (2006a) RFID Chops Timber Costs Using tags embedded in plastic nails, German forestry company Cambium tracks logs as they move from the forest to the factory. www.rfidjournal.com Wessel, Rhea. (2006b) An RFID-enabled harvester staples tags into logs automatically to help track timber moving through the processing line. __________. 2014. Philippine Forestry Statistics 2013. www.forestry.denr.gov.ph/statbook.htm Tables Table 1. Comparison of barcode and RFID Comparison of two identification systems - barcode and RFID system. Table shows the advantages offered by RFID. Due to the necessity of direct line of sight for a barcode system, protection against adverse conditions like abrasion, excess heat, sunlight, humidity, accumulation of dirt lead to reading failures. RFID tags do not require line of sight and thus can be encapsulated for protection from rough handling and environmental impact while maintaining readability. Table 2. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products from 1993 - 2013 (cu.m.) Shows the values (in cubic meters) of the combined production, import and export of processed wood products over 20 years. Combined values comprise lumber, veneer, plywood and logs. Table also shows that imported forest products in terms of logs, lumber, veneer and plywood were higher than local production from 1993 until 2003 when local production overcame importation. Combined production in 2013 was reported at 710,166 cu.m. compared to the previous year of 644,862 cu.m. However, from 2009 to 2013, the imported forest products have been increasing, and if the trend continues, the situation will most likely revert to the pre-2003 conditions where imports dominated the local market. Figures Figure 1. Components of a basic RFID system !
251
[email protected]
Vol 22, No. 5;May 2015
Shows the components of a basic RFID system: RFID tag, RFID reader and computer-based communication Figure 2. Wood supply chain Figure shows the location of logs at different stages from harvesting to the processing plant. After felling, the logs are collected by a forwarder that is also fitted with an RFID reader and stacked on a log landing. Eventually, a truck (also fitted with an RFID reader) transports the logs to a processing plant or sawmill. Figure 3. RFID-enabled tree management in Putra Jaya, Malaysia An example of RFID-enabled tree tagging system in Putra Jaya, Malaysia . Figure shows the tagged tree being scanned with a handheld reader; and the tagged trees along the Putra Jaya main boulevard Figure 4. Combined production, import and export of processed wood products from 1993 - 2013 (cu.m.) Figure graphically shows the values (in cubic meters) of the combined production, import and export of processed wood products over 20 years between 1993 and 2013
!
252
[email protected] 