Cloud-based Planet Deforestation Open-Source Web Platform
ClearCut: Leveraging AI for Precision Deforestation Monitoring and Conservation
problem
In collaboration with the ecological organization SCGIS, we developed ClearCut, a cloud-based precision deforestation platform. Forests, covering over 30% of the Earth s land surface, serve as crucial ecosystems. However, rampant deforestation, whether natural or human-driven, poses significant challenges, necessitating vigilant monitoring and timely intervention. The idea behind ClearCut is that through the platform environmental organizations can access timely and accurate information about deforestation, enabling them to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to conserve natural resources.
problem
In collaboration with the ecological organization SCGIS, we developed ClearCut, a cloud-based precision deforestation platform. Forests, covering over 30% of the Earth s land surface, serve as crucial ecosystems. However, rampant deforestation, whether natural or human-driven, poses significant challenges, necessitating vigilant monitoring and timely intervention. The idea behind ClearCut is that through the platform environmental organizations can access timely and accurate information about deforestation, enabling them to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to conserve natural resources.
solution
Challenges encountered during development included handling multi-channel satellite data, system integration complexities, and model imperfections. To address these challenges, we implemented a system of color identification to track deforestation changes effectively. The platform s segmentation models, initially built using Keras and later migrated to PyTorch, enable robust deforestation monitoring. The back-end of the platform is powered by Python, with PostgreSQL chosen as the database for its spatial database extender. The front-end is developed using the React JavaScript library. Additionally, a suite of image processing and GIS tools, including openCV, gdal, and rasterio, facilitate accurate data analysis. The entire system is deployed on AWS infrastructure, ensuring scalability and reliability.
solution
Challenges encountered during development included handling multi-channel satellite data, system integration complexities, and model imperfections. To address these challenges, we implemented a system of color identification to track deforestation changes effectively. The platform s segmentation models, initially built using Keras and later migrated to PyTorch, enable robust deforestation monitoring. The back-end of the platform is powered by Python, with PostgreSQL chosen as the database for its spatial database extender. The front-end is developed using the React JavaScript library. Additionally, a suite of image processing and GIS tools, including openCV, gdal, and rasterio, facilitate accurate data analysis. The entire system is deployed on AWS infrastructure, ensuring scalability and reliability.
results
The platform s primary objective is to empower ecological institutions and private initiatives to monitor deforestation effectively and respond promptly to illegal logging activities. ClearCut leverages contemporary technologies such as computer vision and artificial intelligence to automate deforestation monitoring. The platform integrates seamlessly with external services providing access to satellite images, enabling accurate and timely data collection. By collecting satellite data at regular intervals, the platform automatically detects changes in forest cover and sends notifications via email, enabling environmentalists to take swift action. Ultimately, ClearCut serves as a vital tool in the global fight against deforestation, contributing to the preservation of our planet s precious ecosystems.
results
The platform s primary objective is to empower ecological institutions and private initiatives to monitor deforestation effectively and respond promptly to illegal logging activities. ClearCut leverages contemporary technologies such as computer vision and artificial intelligence to automate deforestation monitoring. The platform integrates seamlessly with external services providing access to satellite images, enabling accurate and timely data collection. By collecting satellite data at regular intervals, the platform automatically detects changes in forest cover and sends notifications via email, enabling environmentalists to take swift action. Ultimately, ClearCut serves as a vital tool in the global fight against deforestation, contributing to the preservation of our planet s precious ecosystems.
tech stack
tech stack
