Transforming Tree Mapping: Collaboration to Tackle Environmental Challenges

University of Leicester and Bluesky Join Forces for Tree Mapping Breakthrough

The University of Leicester has partnered with Bluesky International Ltd in an innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) aimed at transforming the understanding of trees and green spaces across the UK. This collaboration seeks to enhance Bluesky's National Tree Map™ (NTM™), a vital tool for analyzing and managing forests and green areas. With environmental challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss intensifying, this partnership addresses the urgent need for accurate data and innovative insights to better manage natural resources and advance sustainable urban planning.

The 26-month KTP, supported by Innovate UK, brings together the expertise of academia, industry, and a qualified graduate to drive innovation. This project will focus on developing a new method for classifying tree species using remotely sensed data, offering critical insights into tree growth, disease risks, and carbon storage. These advancements are expected to significantly benefit sectors such as environmental conservation and urban planning. Additionally, a cloud-based system will be developed to integrate advanced tree species classification into Bluesky's workflows, ensuring cost-effective and energy-efficient services. Professors Kevin Tansey and Huiyu Zhou from the University of Leicester will lead the project, working alongside KTP Associate Dr. M. Amin Khalili, a PhD graduate from the University of Naples Federico II.

Professor Kevin Tansey highlighted the challenges of tree species mapping using Earth Observation data, particularly in large or complex areas such as urban environments. He emphasized that combining the University of Leicester's expertise in deep learning, optical and LiDAR image processing, and big data management with Bluesky's geospatial data capture skills would result in a groundbreaking solution that could set new industry standards. Professor Huiyu Zhou further explained the innovative approach of combining LiDAR point cloud data with color information from CCTV cameras, expressing confidence in the complementary expertise of both partners.

Rachel Tidmarsh, CEO of Bluesky, underscored the company's commitment to innovation through this KTP. She noted that the National Tree Map (NTM), first launched in 2012, has been continuously updated based on customer feedback, with species identification emerging as a key area of focus. Tidmarsh expressed her excitement for the collaboration and looked forward to working closely with Dr. Khalili and the University of Leicester team.

Furthermore, Bluesky International is a key partner in the METEOR program at Space Park Leicester, a £100 million space campus designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry in manufacturing, engineering, technology, and Earth observation. By providing cutting-edge labs, clean rooms, VR facilities, and design studios, METEOR aims to accelerate space R&D and satellite access with funding from Research England and additional co-investment. This pioneering partnership between the University of Leicester and Bluesky International marks a significant step toward leveraging technology to revolutionize tree species mapping and enhance the management of green spaces, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future.

Editor's Note:

The escalating environmental challenges are posing significant threats to humanity, and without proactive measures to address them, the consequences could be devastating. Recognizing the urgency, universities and researchers worldwide are stepping up to confront these issues head-on. A shining example of this commitment is the transformative partnership between the University of Leicester and Bluesky International Ltd. By advancing the National Tree Map™, this collaboration harnesses the power of cutting-edge technology and innovative research to revolutionize the understanding and management of trees and green spaces across the UK. Such initiatives are not merely important—they are indispensable for tackling pressing global concerns like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable urban development. 

Skoobuzz believes that this partnership exemplifies the tremendous impact that can be achieved when academic expertise aligns with industry innovation, delivering groundbreaking solutions that pave the way toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.