TreeSnap

Name: TreeSnap
Author: University of Tennessee

University of Tennessee

DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:Researchers & AcademicsGeneral Public & Enthusiasts

Free

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App Summary

TreeSnap is a citizen science app that enables the public, landowners, and foresters to contribute to forest health research by recording the location, photos, and condition of trees. The associated research explains the app was designed to ensure that data submitted by citizens directly supports scientists studying genetic diversity, developing tree breeding programs, and monitoring forest health. By connecting tree enthusiasts with forest scientists, the platform helps researchers locate trees of interest and gather crucial data to protect and improve the health of the nation's forests.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

The TreeSnap application facilitates geolocated data submission from citizen scientists to support forest health research. The mobile interface is structured to capture global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, photographic evidence, and observational data for individual trees of interest. Submissions are compiled into a database accessible to researchers investigating genetic diversity, pest resistance, and tree breeding programs. The system is designed for streamlined, in-field data collection by foresters, landowners, and the general public.

Evidence & Research Context

The application's design and purpose are detailed in a research article describing its function as a citizen science tool connecting the public with forest scientists.
The system was developed to address a documented scientific need for locating specific trees for study, such as those demonstrating resilience to pests and diseases.
Its data collection protocol is structured to directly support research activities, including genetic diversity studies, tree breeding programs, and forest health monitoring.
The platform functions as a conduit for observational data, enabling scientists to track the location of both threatened and resilient tree populations.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is intended for citizen scientists, including landowners and the general public, to contribute observational data to formal forest health research projects. Its primary utility is the field collection of location and phenotypic data on specific trees. The system does not provide tree identification, disease diagnosis, or forest management recommendations.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Development/Design Paper

TreeSnap: A citizen science app connecting tree enthusiasts and forest scientists

Crocker et al. (2019) · Plants, People, Planet

Describes the research-driven development of this app

The scientists that study and work to improve forest health need information on where pests and diseases are spreading, as well as where healthy, resilient trees remain. TreeSnap is a citizen science project and mobile app created to meet this need by enabling citizens to easily submit global positioning system (GPS) locations, photos, and observational information about trees of interest to scientists. The app was designed and built to ensure that the data being collected directly helps scientists engaged in a number of forest health research activities, including studying the genetic diversity of tree species, breeding trees, and monitoring tree health.

In the Media

Citizen Scientist Project: Saving Trees with Apps

TreeSnap is a free mobile app that enables everyday people to serve as citizen scientists helping locate resilient trees for study, as forests struggle with invasive species and pests. According to the USDA Forest Service, the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating twenty hours a day. The app connects citizens with scientists to identify and study trees that survive despite environmental threats, contributing to understanding climate solutions.

TechwellRead article

New Tree App Builds Partnerships Between Citizens and Scientists

The University of Kentucky Forest Health Research Center and the University of Tennessee Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology developed TreeSnap, a phone app for Android and iOS devices designed to connect scientists with foresters, landowners, and interested citizens. Led by Bert Abbott of the UK Forest Health Research and Education Center, the team created the app to protect and restore the nation's trees through collaborative citizen science. TreeSnap enables partnerships between citizens and scientists for tree conservation efforts.

UkyRead article