The use of photointerpretation for biomass evaluation and possible biomass recovery in an area of the Lombardy region ( Italy).

Survey methods were developed and improved to evaluate biomass amount and distribution starting from the survey of a limited area as a basis for factual considerations giving sound support to future feasibility studies. To assess the available biomass, data gleaned from the official statistics were checked against those obtained by photointerpretation. A suitable data acquisition methodology based on aerial photography was developed: the territory was broken down into homogeneous zones and some sample municipalities were selected for photointerpretation. Further checks were executed at ground level to identify the crops and evaluate their yield. These data were used to assess the amount of biomass available for energy conversion. The feasibility of using such biomass and installing energy recovery facilities was also evaluated, and the short-range limit defined. -Authors