WiTches

VisualComputingNDVINormalisedScaled
Aerial Mapping
Predictions
Where to focus efforts in Step 1
Where to focus efforts in Step 2
Where to focus efforts in Step 3
Where to focus efforts in Step 4
Where to focus efforts in Step 5

Inspiration

The UK aims for 16.5% tree and woodland cover by 2050 to increase carbon sinks and hence combat global warming. Currently 44% of planted trees die within 5 years due to poorly planned and implemented reforestation efforts. We aim to combat this issue by using algorithms to predict forest growth and identify target areas to focus reforestation efforts that would have the biggest impact on forest regeneration.

What it does

By modelling the spread and influence of mycelium (the underground fungal systems that play a crucial role in ecosystem health and resilience), we aim to demonstrate how targeted interventions can accelerate recovery in damaged or degraded regions of the forest. The system prioritizes areas that exhibit signs of life but need support to regain full health, ensuring resources are allocated where they are most effective. This bio-inspired approach not only highlights the potential of fungi in environmental restoration but also offers a novel computational model for managing and repairing complex natural systems.

How it works

Image loading and pre-processing: Takes aerial images of potential reforestation areas where colour intensities are averaged using NDVI and RGB colour channels.
Grid values are normalised between 1 and 0 to improve contrast and then fit to a scale of 0-5.
Mycelium-like algorithms identify and restore areas of ecological stress to predict future growth of the area
Suggests actions that will have the biggest impact on reforestation