## [An easy-to-use application to map the forest canopy ](/spotlight/student-project/easy-to-use-application-to-map-forest-canopy) ![COMP project](/sites/default/files/styles/max_480w/public/spotlight-images/2025-04/comp.png.webp?itok=82ysakcN) ## Quinn Carroll, Vassily Petrousevitch, Jake Rubin and Dean Yang Share- [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F"e= "Share on Facebook") - [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https%3A%2F%2F&text=:%20https%3A%2F%2F "Tweet") - [ ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F&title=&summary=&source=https%3A%2F%2F "Share on LinkedIn") - [ ](mailto:?subject=&body=:%20https%3A%2F%2F "Send email") - **Community Partner:** [Korotu Technology]( https://www.korotu.com/ "Korotu Technology") - **Degree:** - Bachelor of Applied Science - **Program:** - [Computer Engineering](https://engineering.ubc.ca/programs/undergraduate/computer-engineering "Find out more about Computer Engineering") - **Campus:** Vancouver ## **Our project** Our client, [Korotu Technology](https://www.korotu.com/), asked us to develop a solution to make it easier for its clients to acquire high-quality forest data in support of sustainable forest management and conservation efforts. > Recognizing that existing workflow processes are overly complex, we developed an easy-to-use web application that integrates best-in-class features so that users can quickly create and manage drone flight plans and acquire the forest images they need to make data-informed decisions. Image ![COMP image](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-04/picture1_6.png.webp?itok=X9-_qFi4) ## **Our design solution** We developed an all-in-one system for planning and exporting drone flight plans. Our flight planning web application empowers users to select or create a flight plan based on various inputs (including takeoff points, path rotation and photo overlap) and constraints (including maximum flight time and target elevation). > The system creates waypoints that are then exported to FlyLitchi, which executes an automated flight plan. The flight path can also be visualized in 3D. Image ![comp_2](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-04/picture2_2.png.webp?itok=6rHsLNoY) We designed the backend using straightforward architecture that is easy to understand and allows for the integration of new technologies. Our application is designed to work with the DJI Mini 3 drone, which we selected for its compatibility with Litchi Pilot, reasonable cost and proven effectiveness above the canopy. > Part of our process involved assessing existing tools and integrating their best features into an all-in-one solution that would simplify the workflow of creating flight paths. For example, we liked the 3D info available through Google Earth Pro, so we integrated this element so users can generate a 3D visualization of the flight path. We integrated flight planning elements from ancient.land, and emulated how that application creates a grid. ## **The challenges we faced** Perhaps the most challenging thing we faced was time management and balancing the complex requirements of an eight-month project with the scheduling demands of other courses and work obligations. After scoping out the project and its requirements, we figured out the workload with each member contributing in their particular areas of interest or expertise. > We each brought different skills to this project in areas that include backend software design, cloud architecture, customer-facing support experience, full-stack development, web application development, hardware-software interfacing, ReactJS and backend API development. Although we delegated components of the project to different team members, this was very much a team effort with all of us pitching in as needed if one person was under a specific time crunch. We supported each other when things were difficult and we brainstormed ideas to resolve issues. ## **What we’re most proud of** We are proud to have created a useful tool that can help non-technical people plan drone flight missions to capture forest data that can be used in support of sustainability initiatives. > Our technical achievement with this project comes from our ability to identify valuable features and integrate them into one application. Although we didn’t know each other before working on this project, we were united from day one with a desire to work on a hard problem and build a great solution for our client. We came together to build something from scratch – making all the design decisions and building everything from the ground up. It’s enabled us to learn a lot about what’s involved in creating a software application. ## **Our project’s future** We’ve shared this application with our client and our hope is that it will then be used by individuals and organizations to quickly and easily capture forest canopy data for use in forest management and monitoring. [ UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering ![UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering logo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2026-02/ubc-electrical-and-computer-engineering-logo-shortname-566x28.png.webp?itok=WQbzhJMi) ](https://ece.ubc.ca "UBC Electrical and Computer Engineering") - [Student Project](/spotlight-type/student-project "Student Project") - [Engineering](/topics/engineering "Engineering") - [Student Experience](/topics/student-experience "Student Experience")