D1.1 Sampling Network

The establishment of a pan-European forest sampling and monitoring network forms a cornerstone
of the OptiForValue project and is scheduled for completion until M24 (September 2026). The 12-
site sampling network spans a latitudinal gradient – from the Mediterranean to the southern boreal
zone – as well as a longitudinal maritime-continental gradient, enabling cross-regional comparisons
of forest dynamics.

OptiForValue has four four super test sites, or Case Study Sites, in Spain, Austria, Sweden, and Finland, equipped with comprehensive tree physiological instrumentation on the ground, which will provide detailed ground-truthing data for integration with remote sensing data.

In addition to these, the project is establishing eight sites (standard test sites), where wood core data will be collected and satellite remote sensing, without the installation of ground-based tree physiological sensors. The eight standard test sites will be located in Norway, Estonia, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania, and Greece.