En route to the walled garden at West Dean, I noticed in the near distance what appeared to be a huge tripod. On the ground nearby was a person reclining. As I drew level I said hello and asked if many people had enquired about the tripod. He, for it was a man, said no but explained that it held a 3D laser camera with which he was measuring the mass and structure of a very large tree a bit further down the path. He told me that the camera could carry out this task in a fraction of the time a human could do it, indeed even if they could do it reliably.
The tree in question looked more dead than autumnal and a section of path was cordoned off as it was hanging over the passage. I wondered if the tree would be felled but found out that the man with the camera was engaged in research for University College London (UCL).
At some point I introduced myself and learnt his name was Phil. I asked for a photo and explained how I would use it. Phil was happy with that and also interested to know more about my strangers' project. I took a few shots. It was quite difficult to ensure that all of the 3D camera plus tripod fitted in the frame.
Phil joined the Dept of Geography, UCL, 5 years ago on completion of his PhD. His wife is from Australia where he has also worked and he observed that a great diversity of species of trees grows there.
The 'bread and butter' of this type of research is carried out in the tropics. (I forgot to ask about the practicalities of transporting the camera.)
Phil said that, in addition to the fieldwork with the camera, he spends a good amount of time behind a computer screen analysing the results. I understand that the outcomes of this work are useful in the field of climate change. From an online press release by UCL:
"New laser scanning technology is being used by UCL scientists to provide fresh and unprecedented insights into the structure and mass of trees, a development that will help plot how much carbon they absorb and how they might respond to climate change."
I offered photos and Phil gave his card from which I saw that he is Dr Phil W.... a postdoctoral research assistant.
He folded up the tripod and was on his way and we carried on to the walled garden.
https://flic.kr/p/2jGr8Mn
Yes, wonder?!!