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This study evaluated the positioning accuracy of moving forest harvesters using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals under a forest canopy, and developed approaches for forecasting accuracy under a mature spruce canopy cover. Real-time kinematic positioning with a Trimble R12 receiver on top of a harvester achieved high positioning accuracy, with 86% of observations meeting a maximum precision of 8 mm. However, the presence of a canopy cover hampered the GNSS’s performance as there were fewer satellites available, leading to an increased number of inaccurate positions and larger values of the dilution of precision in geometry (GDOP), position (PDOP), vertical (VDOP) and horizontal directions (HDOP). The canopy cover estimated from the viewshed analysis of the digital surface model (DSM) was found to be a significant predictor of the dilution of precision and maximum deviation from the true position. These findings suggest that viewshed analysis provides more precise results than a mere canopy cover percentage for evaluating the impact of canopy cover on the GNSS’s positioning of a harvester, despite its computational demands. Developing intelligent algorithms for precise positioning under the canopy can facilitate autonomous harvesting and forwarding, allowing for the implementation of digitalization in forest operations.

The Republic of Karelia is situated in the northwestern part of Russia and represents approximately 1 % of the country’s territory. Forests cover 53 % of the total area, with 70 % of the total forest area available for harvesting. The bioenergy sector is relatively significant as it contributes 10 % to the total energy supply in Karelia, which as a fossil fuel deficient region is highly dependent on imported energy resources from other regions of the country. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the role and position of bioenergy in the Republic of Karelia. It was done by exploring the perception of forestry professionals and forestry students towards bioenergy production in comparison with other forest uses. The role and position of bioenergy was identified through the assessment of the importance of landscape elements, ranking of adverse environmental effects on surrounding landscapes, input to the local economy and importance in planning principles. The results indicate that bioenergy production is perceived to have a low negative effect on the surrounding environment but also a low economic input to the local economy of the region. In addition, bioenergy is perceived to have a low influence on planning principles according to the opinions of the respondents. Statistically significant differences were found between the opinions of respondents with different occupations in regards to the main factors that negatively affect the surrounding environment. In general, the respondents indicated that bioenergy production is of moderate importance, although more research is needed in this field.

• Sustainable forest management aims at satisfying ecological, economic and sociocultural values in entire landscapes. • The study of the gradient from the Russian Federation via countries in transition such as the new EU members and Ukraine, and to Fennoscandia, provides interesting knowledge. • We develop tools to measure the different dimensions of sustainability. • We compare concepts aiming at sustainable landscapes, such as Model Forest and Biosphere Reserve, with regular approaches for land management. • Natural and human science methods are combined, in close collaboration between researchers, policy-makers, planners and managers. • Transparent communication of results to the public through different media is crucial.