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Google pairs aerial imagery and AI to plant trees

by Jordan McKay, Dec 1
1 minute read

Pairing its expertise and capacity in internet searching, maps and navigation, and AI, google has launched the Tree Canopy Lab to help plant trees. The tool combines AI and aerial imagery to help cities understand their tree coverage, and plan tree-planting efforts for the future.

aerial photography of buildings during daytime

So what?

While aerial imagery and AI have been used for some time to help Google Maps users navigate and understand cities, Google developing a tool for cities themselves signals public, private collaboration for people and planet. Google has collaborated and partnered with cities and governments around the world for some time, and the elegant usage of already existing technology to aid in tree-planting efforts seems a natural step in developing climate solutions.

Does the Tree Canopy Lab signal a greater tech sector public, private collaboration to accelerate the achievement of climate and social goals? If so, what unseen implications might this have? If not, what is required to better align tech companies and public objectives?

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by Jordan McKay Spotted 48 signals

I help organisations anticipate change, set and achieve sustainability objectives and act strategically to create the future they want. I value creating collaboratively, designing ambitiously, and communicating frankly.

Focus areas: The future of mobility, Technology, Transport, Circular economy, Biodiversity

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