The study provides an overview of forest information systems (FIS) in the context of their application in forest policy and management. It describes the FIS types and functions and analyses their application in the forest sector. It outlines how these technological advances can improve modern forest policy-making and natural resource management. It provides examples of FIS solutions and their implementation in selected countries. The separate practical guide complements the study, which details the needs, opportunities and constraints for developing/improving forest information systems for the forest sector.