Google’s new tool to map where trees are needed most

Google has launched a tool that uses Artificial Intelligence and aerial imaging to map tree canopy coverage in a city and plan future tree-planting projects accordingly. Google collects the aerial imagery primarily in the spring, summer and fall seasons, and includes an overlay of imported public data from external sources, such as heat risk data, population density data, land use data and neighbourhood boundary data. To estimate tree canopy coverage, Google analyses the imagery with 3D digital surface models and generates a vegetation probability model. By clicking on an area on the map, viewers can learn about the tree coverage, average heat health index and average population density per area.