Inspiration
Cities around the world face challenges such as rising pollution, increasing temperatures, and diminishing green cover. While forests are often monitored, urban foliage tends to be neglected. This project was initiated to address that gap. Drawing inspiration from the capabilities of the Google 3D Maps API and the growing demand for sustainable urban solutions, the aim was to create a simple yet impactful tool to map and manage urban trees more effectively.
We began by engaging with government officials in the forestry department in Chandigarh to assess their needs. Their method of inventorization involved manually visiting each sector in the city and tallying the number of trees by species. However, the precision of their location data was limited to the sector level, with no latitude or longitude information recorded.
Although our idea originated with Chandigarh in mind, we started working with the Photorealistic 3D Map in Toronto, due to the unavailability of the API in India. This allowed us to recognize the scalability of the concept and its potential application in any urban setting in the world.
What It Does
The project provides an interactive platform for tracking and exploring urban tree inventories using Google 3D Maps. Users can access detailed information about trees, such as their locations and species, within an immersive 3D environment. By digitizing tree inventories, the platform offers a streamlined alternative to the manual methods used by government authorities. It also supports sustainable urban planning by identifying areas for tree planting and enabling companies to engage in carbon offset programs, thereby combating pollution and enhancing green cover.
How We Built It
The solution integrates:
- Google 3D Maps API: Enables detailed and immersive visualization of urban trees.
- PostGIS: Used to store and retrieve dynamic tree data efficiently.
The platform allows users to explore 3D maps and access critical details about trees, including their species and precise locations. Tree annotations were added manually or through automated detection tools.
Challenges We Faced
We encountered several challenges during the project:
- Depth Estimation: Accurately pinpointing tree locations from Street View images was complex. Depth estimation techniques and extensive calibration were employed to improve precision.
- User Interface Design: Ensuring the interface was both functional and simple required multiple iterations to create a seamless user experience.
- Lack of VR Resources: Although a VR walkthrough would have significantly enhanced the platform, resource limitations prevented its implementation.
- Computational Constraints: Limited computational resources restricted the deployment of advanced tree species detection models.
Accomplishments
The project successfully bridges the gap between urban tree management and sustainability objectives. The integration of the Photorealistic 3D Maps API resulted in a visually engaging and functional tool for exploring urban green spaces. Significant milestones included the efficient use of PostGIS for dynamic data management and the development of an interactive user interface. The platform demonstrates how technology can streamline manual processes and contribute to smarter urban planning and sustainability.
What We Learned
This project highlighted the inefficiencies and inaccuracies of manual tree inventorization processes, emphasizing the need for a streamlined system to track and manage urban trees. It also revealed the untapped potential of urban carbon offset programs to tackle pollution at its source, rather than relying solely on remote forestry solutions.
Through interface design, we learned how to simplify workflows to create an intuitive user experience. Iterative development helped maximize the platform’s impact while maintaining user-friendliness. Additionally, the Photorealistic 3D Maps API proved to be an ideal tool for achieving our vision, with the potential to incorporate a virtual reality walkthrough in the future for an immersive exploration of urban trees.
Future Plans for Tree Inventorization
Looking ahead, we plan to integrate virtual reality (VR) capabilities, enabling users to take fully immersive walkthroughs of urban green spaces. The platform will allow users to annotate trees manually through either the web or VR interface, fostering community participation. To increase engagement, we intend to gamify the annotation process with point systems and leaderboards. Collaborating with government bodies and private companies will be key to scaling the project for more efficient urban tree management and the implementation of carbon offset programs.
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