At the forefront of Poland’s forestry education and innovation, the University of Agriculture in Kraków (Uniwersytet Rolniczy w Krakowie, URK) plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of forest professionals. We had the privilege to speak with Dr. hab. inż. Arkadiusz Stańczykiewicz, Professor at URK and head of postgraduate studies in the Department of Forest Utilization and Forest Technology, about modern forest management, education, and the application of digital tools like Timbeter.
The Power of Digital Tools in Forestry Education
According to Prof. Stańczykiewicz, education in forestry must align with contemporary environmental, technological, and industrial challenges. He emphasizes the critical need for students to gain experience with digital solutions used in practice—especially in timber measurement and forest operations.
“By using tools like Timbeter, our students get hands-on experience that mirrors what they will encounter in real work environments. It bridges theory with practice.”
The University integrates Timbeter into courses focused on forest utilization and logistics, preparing students for tasks such as timber measurement, inventorying, and digital recordkeeping.
“We teach our students that precision and objectivity in wood measurement are no longer just ideals—they are achievable today with the right technology.”
Addressing Key Challenges in the Timber Industry
Prof. Stańczykiewicz highlights that one of the main issues facing the Polish forestry sector is the accurate measurement and classification of wood, especially in terms of diameter and volume. Manual processes are not only time-consuming but also prone to inconsistency.
Timbeter, with its photo-based AI measurements and digital documentation, provides a transparent and standardized way of handling timber data, helping both foresters and logistics professionals reduce discrepancies and optimize efficiency.
“Implementing digital measurement systems improves both the transparency and speed of forestry operations,” he states.
From Forest to Classroom—and Beyond
The feedback from students and professionals involved in postgraduate courses has been overwhelmingly positive. The ease of use, flexibility of applications, and integration with mobile devices make Timbeter a standout tool.
“Our postgraduate students, many of whom are active professionals, are often surprised how intuitive the software is. They quickly see its potential for practical work.”
Prof. Stańczykiewicz also notes how digital forestry tools can support data collection for research, facilitate analysis of timber movement, and contribute to better forest resource planning.
Looking Ahead: Digital Skills as a Core Competency
In his concluding thoughts, Prof. Stańczykiewicz envisions a future where digital literacy is as crucial for foresters as silvicultural knowledge. Tools like Timbeter aren’t just educational supplements—they are becoming essential components of modern forest management.
“Digital competence will define the future of forestry. By equipping students today, we ensure the forests of tomorrow are managed with precision, responsibility, and innovation.”
