'CTrees' is a company with an open-source data platform aiming to track the world's trees by leveraging several smart technologies. The company tracks forests and trees through a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), satellite imagery, and LiDAR scanners. This data is then collected, stored in a database, and monitored for changes over time.
This can help identify key areas of change in tree-dense areas that raise cause for concern. The company notes that, while large areas are consistently monitored, such as dense regions of the rainforest, this focus often causes a lack of attention paid to other groups of trees, which are equally important.
CTrees has augmented its platform with data from the early 2000s to start as a baseline. This data acts as a comparative for its future data collections, showing the deterioration in tree density over time.
Tree-Tracking Platforms
The 'CTrees' Platform Uses Three Technologies to Track the World's Trees
Trend Themes
1. Tree Monitoring Technology - The development of AI, satellite imagery and LiDAR scanners for tracking the world’s trees can be leveraged to create more accurate and detailed information for forestry management.
2. Open-source Data Platforms - Open-source data platforms like CTrees can help democratize access to information and drive collaboration across industries to support sustainable forestry management practices.
3. Historical Data Comparison - Using historical data as a comparative for future data collections can provide valuable insights into the deterioration of tree density over time and support evidence-based policy making for the preservation of forests and trees.
Industry Implications
1. Forestry - The forestry industry can leverage tree-tracking platforms like CTrees to create more accurate and detailed forest inventory management models, improve data-driven decision making, and support sustainable forestry practices.
2. Environmental Monitoring - Companies focused on environmental monitoring and conservation can utilize platforms like CTrees to improve monitoring and data collection for more effective forest and biodiversity management efforts.
3. Government and Policy-making - Governments can leverage platforms like CTrees and its open-source data platform to support evidence-based policy making for the preservation of forests and trees, including programs for sustainable land use and land management practices.