[DF Scanner New Feature] Diversity Assessment Now Available!

DeepForest Technologies Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “DeepForest”) has released a new Diversity Assessment feature in DF Scanner, its forest analysis software. This feature is available starting with DF Scanner Pro v1.8.0, released on May 14, 2026.

What is the Diversity Assessment Feature?

Biodiversity can be evaluated from a variety of perspectives. In this release, DF Scanner has implemented a function that quantitatively evaluates tree species diversity in the canopy as one aspect of biodiversity assessment.

This function uses exp(H’), derived from the Shannon diversity index H’ (Shannon 1948, Hill 1973), applied to canopy tree species information. The Shannon diversity index is a widely used ecological index that simultaneously reflects species diversity and the evenness of individual distribution. Higher values indicate a greater variety of tree species coexisting in a balanced mixture, while lower values indicate dominance by a limited number of species. exp(H’) is also referred to as the effective number of species, and can be intuitively interpreted as “the equivalent number of species assuming equal distribution.” For example, exp(H’) = 5 means that the diversity is equivalent to a community in which 5 species are distributed equally.

* This feature is not available in DF Scanner Lite.
* Data used for diversity assessment must have detailed tree species identification applied.

Version 1.8.0 also includes significant updates such as download DEM for flight, multiband support, an updated tree species identification model for Hokkaido, and reorganization of the menu structure.

DF Scanner offers a 2-week free trial license.
The Diversity Assessment feature is also available to try during the trial period.

Free Trial →
Download Software →

For inquiries about this feature or to share your feedback, please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form.