Treepedia: MIT Platform Maps Urban Tree Canopy Using Google Street View

In December 2016, the MIT Senseable City Lab, led by Carlo Ratti, launched Treepedia in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. The platform uses Google Street View data to measure and compare urban greenery across cities. An interactive online encyclopedia, it maps tree locations and sizes for residents. Currently piloted in ten cities including Geneva, London, Toronto, Tel Aviv, New York, and Boston, Treepedia employs the Green View Index metric developed by the lab, enabling citizens to engage in urban planning. Ratti stated that as cities face global warming, storms, and pollution, tree welfare is critical, and Treepedia encourages local authorities and communities to protect urban canopies. Future updates will allow users to add data to an open-source map, fostering collaboration with city officials.