Tree Inventory and Digital Mapping Project of

Miriam College Presented by Noel R. Buensuceso Miriam College May 10, 2012

Outline of PresentationBackground of the Project

Aims and Objectives

Methodology

Implementation and Output

Applications

Conclusions

Recommendations

Future Implications

Background of the Project

• Funded by United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia

• Implemented- School year 2011-2012

• Collaborative project of academicians from diverse background

( History, Biology, Botany, Information Technology, and Business )

Aims and ObjectivesDigitize existing tree inventory ( Note: For this presentation the word “trees” may also refer to plants, palms, and bamboos)

Provide narratives from historical and scientific perspectives in particular trees covered Inform the broader community of the importance of promoting living museums

Encourage conservation and appreciation of biodiversity

Methodology1. Take photos of trees using a camera with a Global Positioning System (GPS) feature

2. Upload photos in Picasa album

3. Incorporate relevant information ( common names ,local names, Latin / scientific names, historical and scientific narratives, etc. ).

4. Plot the specific trees onto Google maps

Implementation and Output

Indigenous to a place, means that it occurs there naturally. It is a native. But a species can be indigenous to a number of places at once. 

Endemic to a place, means that it occurs naturally only in that place. It is a native to an exclusive or limited area. It is not widely distributed, and won't be found naturally anywhere else. 

Exotic plants are those that have been introduced into the country

30 Native Trees ( Endemic and Indigenous )

Upload all photos to a Picasa album. View setting: Private

Write the Latin/scientific , common or English, and local names of the trees. The historical and scientific narratives may then be included under ‘Comments.’

Talisai ( Talisay ) Tree

You may view the trees on a street map…

…or satellite map

Create a Panoramio account.

Upload all photos from Picasa to Panoramio. View setting: automatically Public

Updated Tree Map

A hardcopy of the MC tree map

Google Earth

Applications

Share…food recipes

You may create a link and share food recipesrelated to the trees.

Listen to Original Pilipino Music

Create a link to YouTube videos.

Share local legends

Travel to places named after trees • Antipolo • Kiapo• Butuan• Iba• Lumban• Kalumpit• Kamuning• Taal • Molave• Talisay• Sapote• Betis• Dao• Agoo• Hagonoy• Santolan

A Strategic Management Project

Photo credit: bambike.com

The Bambike Project: Bamboo cycles handmade in the Philippines

Stay healthy and try herbal medicine

Create links to PhilippineHerbal Medicine website

(Re)discover local fruits

photos courtesy of marketmanila.com

Be inspired and paint

Be aware…of endemic and endangered trees

Only in Cebu, Philippines: Cebu Cinnamon tree

Actions

Action follows awareness

Conclusions

An enriched map of MC trees on Google maps

Share local knowledge about trees

(Re)Discover 30 native trees

Awareness and appreciation of trees and biodiversity

Digital mapping- a platform or tool for collaborative academic research and education

Recommendations

Collaborate on researchprojects by using interactive maps and living museums

Recommendations

FoodMusicAnimalsHeritage SitesHistorical Places / EventsArtsLanguagesEthnic groupsLocal productsFestivals

All subjects may usedigital maps… fromsimple class projectsto academic researches

Future Implications

• An enriched digital map of MC trees on Google maps that is searchable and can thus be referenced to support similar work and academic research.

• Easy to update the data with richer content and enable quick sharing of information related to trees.

• Closes the gap between classroom work and more abstract concepts and field activities through ICT ( i.e. virtual tour )

• Add relevant video clips and images where applicable

• Help inform policy makers in the domain of natural conservation

Thank you!