Revolutionizing Forestry Data: Mobileapp
Integrating Lidar technology to enhance the efficiency of forest biomass data collection
Problem Space
Imagine a world where forestry management relies solely on hand measurements. Every tree height and diameter manually calculated, day in and day out. That was the reality for foresters, and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty. Inefficient, inaccurate, and frankly, just plain tiring.
Outcome
A mobile app, paired with our cutting-edge Lidar backpack, would transform data collection in the forest. Imagine it: users wearing these backpacks and effortlessly gathering precise tree data as they walked, the app seamlessly capturing and visualizing it in real-time.
Sensor Backpack
Sensor backpack is a hardware solution designed for efficient data collection, seamlessly integrating sensors and essential components into a portable system. It operates as a self-contained unit, managing its own computation and power, while ensuring minimal hindrance to the user's mobility in navigating forested environments during data collection activities.
Digital Component
Approach
*For confidentiality reasons, the research aspect cannot be disclosed*
Found myself thrown into the middle of this chaos as part of a small, self-funded startup. We lacked a clear vision, a solid strategy, and even a design system. I knew we needed to change the game. So, I grabbed my boots and dove headfirst into understanding the forestry world. We met with foresters, bio technicians, anyone who could offer insights into their daily struggles. And let me tell you, their pain points were real.
Following the interviews, I returned to the office to assess forest inventories and determine their specific requirements regarding plot data. It was essential to identify what Gaia could offer and develop a critical workflow for the mobile app.
Understanding User Needs
Inefficient Data Collection: Traditional methods often involve manual measurements and tedious data entry
Lack of Detail: Existing data collection methods might not capture crucial information about individual trees
Difficulty in Task Management: Organizing data collection across various forest sections can be cumbersome
Concept Creation
As the sole designer, I got into the concept creation phase employing diverse design methods and approaches, aiming to seamlessly integrate the key elements of the mobile app. After exploring numerous scenarios and blueprints, I ultimately settled on a workflow.
Collaborative Design and Testing Sessions
Continuously iterating and testing with potential customers was integral to our startup's rapid pace. We conducted collaborative design sessions where we shared our research findings with industry experts and engaged in co-creation sessions.
These sessions provided an exciting opportunity to receive feedback and ideas for solving the identified problems. Notably, participants showed enthusiasm for leveraging backpacks for tree data collection and exploring data labeling through virtual and augmented reality.
As I immersed myself further in the research process, I realized the vastness of the knowledge to be gained. Recognizing that every journey starts with a first step, I began by focusing on fundamental functionalities. My approach to working in a startup involves a continuous loop of planning, implementation, feedback, and iteration. I successfully obtained initial feedback from stakeholders and established valuable connections with foresters, enabling me to gather feedback directly from them, the target users.
Solutions and Key Features
Map-Centric Navigation
Map-centric navigation is a central feature of our mobile app, providing users with an intuitive way to navigate through dense forest terrain. By overlaying detailed maps, users can easily identify their location and plan their route with precision. This approach enhances accuracy, reduces the risk of getting lost, and streamlines the data collection process by guiding users directly to specific locations for sampling or geotagging. Overall, map-centric navigation ensures efficient and user-friendly forest exploration and data collection
Traditional data collection
In our use case, the app facilitates the collection of two types of forestry data: plot-level data and strip cruise data.
1. Plot-Level Data involves gathering detailed information within standardized plot areas in the forest. It provides precise insights into the forest's composition, structure, and health, allowing for accurate resource assessment and informed management decisions.
2.Strip Cruise Data involves traveling along linear transects or strips within the forest to evaluate specific attributes like timber volume or biomass. It's valuable for estimating resources across extensive areas and is not commonly used for timber inventory.
Plot Cruise Data Collection Strip Cruise Data Collection
Data Labelling with Computer Vision and AR
Leveraging cutting-edge technology, our app integrates computer vision and augmented reality to facilitate effortless data labelling. With a built-in camera on the hardware backpack, users can easily identify and label species and defects, streamlining the data annotation process
Geotagging and Information Entry
Simplifying fieldwork, the app allows users to effortlessly add geotags and additional information like Product class, Defects and height of the first defect directly in the heart of the forest. Enhance data accuracy and contextual understanding with seamless data entry capabilities
GeoTagging Tree Information
Lidar Tree View with Gaia AI
Elevating the user experience, our app offers a mesmerizing Lidar view of the forest, showcasing the majestic trees in stunning detail. Powered by Gaia AI, users can experience the joy of efficient forest data collection while reveling in the beauty of nature, triggering feelings of happiness and accomplishment
Product Testing
Our journey to develop a unique app was filled with challenges as we battled against outdated practices. Each company had its own way of storing data, making it challenging to create a universally functional app. Additionally, there was skepticism about the concept of 'trees talking to your phone. Wearing multiple hats in our small-tier startup, I immersed myself in the real-world challenges faced by users. Testing the application firsthand allowed me to understand the intricacies of data collection and tree labeling processes. This experience gave me invaluable insights into potential UI enhancements to streamline operations.
Key Takeaway
Collaborating with various external teams taught me an important lesson: while it's essential to listen to their needs, it's just as important to help them distinguish between what they truly need and what they simply want. Collaborating with people from different departments naturally leads to some resistance, but I've come to see it as a positive thing. It challenges us to think critically and gives us the chance to stand up for our decisions with solid reasoning.