The Miriam College tree inventory and digital mapping project aimed to digitize the existing tree inventory on campus, provide historical and scientific narratives about the trees, and encourage conservation. Over 30 native tree species were photographed, mapped on Google Maps, and had information added to a Picasa album. The digital maps allow sharing local tree knowledge and discovering native species. They provide an interactive platform for collaborative academic research and education. Future work could enrich the digital maps with more content and close the gap between classroom and field activities through technology.

1. Tree Inventory and Digital
Mapping Project of
Miriam College
Presented by Noel R. Buensuceso
Miriam College
May 10, 2012

2. Outline of Presentation
Background of the Project
Aims and Objectives
Methodology
Implementation and Output
Applications
Conclusions
Recommendations
Future Implications

3. 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 )

4. Aims and Objectives
Digitize 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

5. Methodology
1. 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

6. Implementation and Output

7. 30 Native Trees ( Endemic and Indigenous )
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

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

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

10. Talisai ( Talisay ) Tree

11. You may view the trees on a street map…

12. …or satellite map

13. Create a Panoramio account.

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

15. Updated Tree Map
A hardcopy of the MC tree map

16. Google Earth

17. Applications

18. Share…
food recipes
You may create a link
and share food recipes
related to the trees.

19. Listen to Original Pilipino Music
Create a link to YouTube videos.

20. Share local legends

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

22. A Strategic Management Project
The Bambike Project: Bamboo
cycles handmade in the Philippines
Photo credit: bambike.com

23. Stay healthy and try herbal medicine
Create links to Philippine
Herbal Medicine website

24. (Re)discover local fruits
photos courtesy of marketmanila.com

25. Be inspired and paint

26. Be aware…
of endemic and endangered trees
Only in Cebu, Philippines: Cebu Cinnamon tree

27. Actions
Action follows awareness

28. 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

29. Recommendations
Collaborate on research
projects by using interactive
maps and living museums

30. Recommendations
Food
All subjects may use
Music
digital maps… from
Animals
simple class projects
Heritage Sites
to academic
Historical Places / Events
researches
Arts
Languages
Ethnic groups
Local products
Festivals

31. Future Implications

32. •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 )

33. •Add relevant video clips and images where applicable
• Help inform policy makers in the domain of natural conservation

34. Thank you!