Review: PlantNet Plant Identification App

By Sarah Weber

PlantNet is a web and app-based citizen science platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and inventory tens of thousands of plant species. Users can share observations which can then be reviewed by the PlantNet community and used by the underlying AI model to recognize plants. A sufficient degree of confidence is required in order for the observation to be added to the public database and the AI model. To take into account new observations and revisions, the AI model is regularly re-trained.

This diagram demonstrates the data flow of observations in the PlantNet system.

Source: PlantNet.org

PlantNet has collected over 1 billion plant images and is one of the biggest contributors to the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) international database. Data from GBIF can be downloaded and explored, or you can view the hundreds of publications that make use of PlantNet data. PlantNet's highly sophisticated process for identifying and validating observations has made them one of the most accurate plant identification applications.

I've been using PlantNet for several months to explore and learn more about the local plant species in the Sonoran Desert where I live. It's easy to use and I appreciate that it is not only a plant identification tool, but also a citizen science initiative producing useful data for research. One important note is that if you want to participate in the citizen science aspect of the platform, you must share your location as it is required for species mapping. If you'd like to learn more about using the app, this video provides a quick and straightforward tutorial.



Popular posts from this blog

Sky Island Alliance

By Sarah Weber
Sky Island Alliance is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based out of Tucson, AZ focused on protecting and restoring the diversity of life in the Sky Island region. I chose to highlight this organization because of their commitment to the Sky Islands, and it's binational landscapes, wildlife, and people. Sky Island Alliance not only seeks to conserve and protect natural resources; they approach it in a way that is inclusive of the people and culture that are connected to the region.  I've had an opportunity to volunteer with Sky Island Alliance on several occasions, including Spring Seeker, and each time I am impressed with how well their events and initiatives are organized and designed to make a difference. If you'd like to learn more about my personal experience, you can view it here . 
Read more

Invasive Plants: A Threat to the Sonoran Desert

By Sarah Weber
The Sonoran Desert is under threat from several invasive plant species, and they are plants that know no boundaries. They affect the native plants and animals, create fire hazards, and endanger ecosystems. These slides provide an overview of the most problematic invasive plants that are jeopardizing one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world.
Read more