GreenSight AR

Inspiration

Our journey with GreenSight AR began from a simple yet profound realization: while many of us are concerned about the environment, the connection between individual actions and tangible environmental impact often feels distant. Research shows that planting trees is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, with an estimated potential to capture about 25% of global carbon emissions annually. Inspired by this, we envisioned a tool that not only supports reforestation but also visually demonstrates the individual's role in this global effort.

What it does

GreenSight AR is more than just an app; it's a gateway to visualizing one's impact on the environment. When users donate for tree planting through our platform, they see a virtual 3D tree planted in AR, symbolizing their contribution. This tree is not just a digital representation; it corresponds to real trees planted in various parts of the world.

How we built it

We developed GreenSight AR by leveraging the Geospatial Creator and API, enabling precise determination of longitude and latitude coordinates to place virtual trees in the desired user-selected locations. This technology served as the backbone for translating user preferences into real-world geospatial data, allowing us to seamlessly integrate the augmented reality experience. By utilizing these tools, we ensured that the virtual 3D trees planted in AR corresponded accurately to the physical locations where real trees were planted, providing users with a tangible and authentic connection to their environmental impact.

Challenges we ran into

Working with the Unity, Geospatial Creator and API for the first time presented a steep learning curve for our team. We encountered several issues during the setup process, grappling with the intricacies of integrating these technologies into our platform.
We encountered some limitations and inconsistencies in the availability and quality of the 3D tiles for different locations, as the geospatial API depended on the Google Earth 3D view, which was not always up to date or accurate. Some places had no 3D tiles or had low-resolution or outdated models, which affected the realism and immersion of our app.
We experienced some bugs and issues with the performance and functionality of the geospatial API, as it was still in beta and not fully stable or optimized.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Overcoming the initial challenges of implementing the Geospatial Creator and API, we successfully integrated them into GreenSight AR. Our achievement lies in creating an immersive experience that visually connects users to the impact of their contributions on real-world tree planting. The development and deployment of our app mark a significant milestone, transforming our vision into a powerful tool for environmental awareness and positive action. Witnessing users engage with augmented reality trees and understand their role in global reforestation is a source of great satisfaction for our team.

What we learned

GreenSight AR taught our team valuable skills in geospatial technology, data interpretation, and location-based services. Implementing the Geospatial Creator and API for the first time enhanced our technical proficiency, while translating user preferences into real-world coordinates deepened our understanding of augmented reality complexities. The project underscored the significance of persistence and teamwork in overcoming obstacles, providing practical insights for future innovations.

What's next for GreenSight AR

Our future plans involve introducing options for users to decorate their virtual trees, enhancing the interactive experience. This feature will allow users to personalize their contributions, adding a creative dimension to the app. We envision GreenSight AR evolving into a dynamic platform where users not only contribute to reforestation but also enjoy a uniquely customizable augmented reality experience, furthering our mission of environmental awareness and positive impact