A new study published in the journal Science Bulletin estimates that there are 142.6 billion trees in China, which means about 100 trees for every inhabitant. However, the researchers warn that the real number may be underestimated due to technological limitations used to count them. • LIDAR technology - mapping method To obtain this estimate, Chinese researchers used LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology. It works similarly to sonar, but with laser waves, allowing for mapping of tree