New digital map in Latvia helps mushroom pickers find the best forest spots

A digital map called Senotajs.lv has become popular in Latvia, helping mushroom foragers determine which forests currently offer the best conditions for finding mushrooms. Within just a few months, more than 30,000 people have used the tool to assess their chances before heading out.

The map's developer, Gatis Žeiris, says similar digital tools are being created for Lithuania and Estonia as well, each with its own brand, national open data, and language. He notes that mushroom foraging is a shared tradition across the Baltic nations, with families participating across multiple generations.

How the map works

The system relies on artificial intelligence that processes open data from the State Forest Service's Forest State Register and the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. The algorithm assesses how suitable forest plots are for mushroom growth, factoring in tree species, age, forest and soil type, as well as weather conditions such as humidity, temperature, and season.

Žeiris explains that the map does not pinpoint exact mushroom locations but rather highlights where conditions are currently most favorable for growth. He also notes that while GPS helps users understand their location within the forest, actual orientation should rely mainly on experience and real conditions rather than the screen.

Since forests change over time — stands age and logging occurs — the developers plan to recalculate the map using updated national data at least once a year.

Beyond indicating foraging conditions, the map can also help users avoid entering military training areas, where mushroom picking is prohibited. The app additionally marks locations where residents have reported bear sightings, though this information is intended for guidance only.