11.09.2025Remote Sensing of Alpine Forests Excursion at the EGEA Annual Congress 2025

The EGEA Annual Congress is the largest annual event of the European Geography Association for students and young geographers. This year, around 200 participants from across Europe gathered in Melchtal OW to exchange knowledge, explore the surrounding area in the heart of Switzerland, and reconnect with old and new friends. 

As part of the scientific program, Isabelle Helfenstein and Jeremiah Huggel led the excursion Remote Sensing of Alpine Forests. The excursion introduced participants to methods of passive optical remote sensing applied to alpine forest ecosystems. It demonstrated practical data collection using the UAV platform we usually use in the field. Participants then explored the surrounding forest in Melchtal, gaining insights into Swiss forestry on steep terrain, the importance of local mountain forests, and the wide range of ecosystem services they provide. Alongside the excursion, we also presented the scientific career paths at the University of Zurich to the participating geography students. 

As alumni of EGEA Zürich, we were both grateful to be part of the Annual Congress 2025.