PIRSE: Plant Identification and Repository for the Smart Environment

The purpose of this study was to apply smartphone technology to environmental programs to reduce CO2 emissions. A large plant database was developed that could be accessed via a smartphone application that was developed in this research project. The study was conducted in the School of Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Technology (SGtech), Naresuan University on an area of 13.79 acres planted with 460 trees of 45 different species. Data that was collected for each species, included height, circumference, carbon sequestration, CO2 absorption pinpointing, and photographs of leaves and bark. Using the Plant Identification and Repository for the Smart Environment (PIRSE) application, a plant database was developed that could be accessed via smartphone. From the carbon sequestration and CO2 absorption data in the database, the total CO2 absorption of the growing area was calculated as 1340.85-ton CO2e per year, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of one vehicle over five years. This smartphone technology can be applied to assist in decision-making on environmental issues such as forest clearing or forest rejuvenation and reforestation by planting programs, and the selection of appropriate species.