EAASI Company: Bluesky International
Project Overview
Birmingham City Council has developed a groundbreaking mapping portal to address tree equity across the city. This initiative uses high-resolution data from the National Tree Map™ (NTM™), created by EAASI member Bluesky International, to identify disparities in tree canopy cover and guide strategic planting efforts. The project aims to improve environmental and social outcomes by ensuring all communities have equal access to the benefits of urban tree cover.
Technical Solution
Bluesky International played a central role in providing the high-resolution data required for this project. The solution involved:
High-Resolution Aerial Data: Captured using advanced crewed aerial platforms to create a detailed map of tree height, location, and canopy cover.
Algorithm-Based Analysis: The National Tree Map™ is created using innovative algorithms and image processing techniques, from the most up-to-date aerial photography and terrain data for the whole of Great Britain and Ireland.
Interactive Mapping Platform: The data was integrated into a user-friendly online tool developed by Birmingham City Council and its partners enabling users to easily visualise current canopy cover, colour-coded by electoral ward. Interactive tools highlight wards with the lowest and highest levels, in addition to being able to select wards by their potential planting area percentages.
Image courtesy: Bluesky International
Project Benefits
The mapping portal provided Birmingham City Council with valuable insights to enhance urban planning and green space management. By identifying areas with low canopy cover, the platform enables more targeted tree planting efforts, improving tree equity across different neighbourhoods. This strategic approach has the potential to reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality, and enhance flood prevention schemes by increasing green cover in key areas. The project also supports greater social equity by addressing disparities in green space access, particularly in deprived communities. Additionally, the use of high-resolution aerial data has improved efficiency by reducing the need for manual site visits, saving time and resources in the planning and implementation process.
Future Outlook
Birmingham’s initiative sets a benchmark for how urban centres can leverage aerial data to address environmental and social challenges. The success of this project highlights the growing importance of crewed aerial data in urban planning, climate resilience, and community well-being. Moving forward, the model used by Birmingham City Council could be replicated in other cities aiming to improve tree equity and enhance urban green spaces.
Bluesky published a more detailed article about this case: Birmingham Council Creates Interactive Tree Map Using Bluesky Tree Data
Learn more about how other EAASI members utilise crewed aerial technology to address global challenges in our Use Cases series, a dedicated section showcasing real-world applications, and achievements by EAASI’s diverse members.
This collection of use cases highlights the unique advantages and capabilities of crewed aerial surveying in various fields, from environmental monitoring to infrastructure planning.
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