Our research focuses on the development of GreenLens, a smartphone application designed to measure tree trunk diameter without the need for high-end depth sensors. This innovation addresses the limitations of traditional methods, which are often time-consuming and labor-intensive, as well as the constraints of existing smartphone-based techniques that rely on specialized hardware.
GreenLens: Accelerating Forest Measurements
GreenLens leverages advanced neural networks and image processing algorithms to accurately estimate tree trunk diameter from images captured by the smartphone's optical camera. This key innovation ensures reliable measurements regardless of the smartphone's hardware capabilities, making GreenLens accessible to both high-end and low-end device users. The app has undergone rigorous evaluation in various challenging real-world environments, such as scenarios with heavily occluded trees, leaning trunks, and irregular growths like burls. These evaluations have demonstrated the app's robustness and accuracy, underscoring its potential as a valuable tool for ecological research and forest management.
Accessibility and Open Source Commitment
To promote widespread use and further development, GreenLens is available as an open-source project. The source code is hosted on GitHub and can be accessed at GreenLens GitHub Repository. Additionally, the application package (APK) is available for download on Google Drive.
For a comprehensive overview of GreenLens and its underlying technology, please read our detailed article published on Cambridge Open Engage: An App for Tree Trunk Diameter Estimation from Coarse Optical Depth Maps. This article delves into the technical aspects of the app, the methodologies employed, and the results of our extensive field tests.
Commitment to Future Development
Building on the success of GreenLens, we are currently developing GreenLens2. This next-generation app will feature a completely revamped image processing pipeline, enhancing accuracy and performance. We are also focused on optimizing the user journey to maximize user experience, ensuring a seamless and intuitive interaction with the app. Additionally, we are working to expand compatibility to iOS, enabling support for a wider range of devices and further democratizing access to this tool.
