SmartTree: Mobile Tree Inventory Device for Rapid Data Collection
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Date
11//2/24/1Item status
Restricted AccessAuthor
Thompson, Louise
Metadata
Abstract
In order to make a tree inventory in forests it is essential to collect field data as quickly,
efficiently and in a cost effective manner. Under the UN REDD framework or REDD+
(Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries),
forests are now at the centre stage of international climate negotiations. To effectively
implement REDD sustainable and transparent Monitoring Recording and Verification (MRV)
systems need to be in place. There is also a need for more community based monitoring
programs to capture ground based measurements quickly and efficiently. The data is currently
being collected using traditional techniques, however, there is potential with Smartphone
technology to capture data quicker and more effectively. In this research project the
SmartTree application is developed with the objective of providing a proof -of -concept which
integrates Smartphone and wireless cloud technology. This will allow local communities to
collect tree data and send their results to others for their use. The article explores the design
process, implementation, testing and evaluation of such an application. The research
concludes that with modifications and refinements to increase usability and accuracy
SmartTree could be used as data capture tool for tree inventories more effectively in the
future.