Introduction
In September 2024, a dynamic two-week international workshop united students from ITECH in Hamburg, I.E.S. La Fuensanta in Spain, MCUT in Taiwan, and RASEKO in Finland. Held in Hamburg, this collaborative event provided a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on projects with major partners like the Soundscape Community, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, and the Hamburg Harbour Museum.
We decided to rework the existing project, Tagfalter-Monitoring, an app focused on butterflies, bringing a fresh perspective to its design and functionality. Along with our teammates, we worked on enhancing the app’s capabilities, making it more effective at recognizing and identifying butterfly species using AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Project Description
Our project focused on revitalizing the existing Tagfalter-Monitoring app, designed for identifying butterfly species. The goal was to enhance its user experience and improve its functionality by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accurately recognize and classify different butterfly species in real-time.
This should be done with a machine learning process, which decides, which type of butterfly is on the picture you recently created.
This is a big benefit for user and Helmotz monitoring at the same time. The monitoring will be much more efficiant and accurat.
We collaborated as an international team, merging diverse perspectives and skills to refine the app’s design, usability, and technical features. Our efforts concentrated on making the app more intuitive, accessible, and effective for users, with an updated interface and advanced AI-driven identification system.
The target groups for our project
Our reimagined Tagfalter-Monitoring app is designed to serve multiple audiences by offering a powerful, intuitive tool for butterfly identification and biodiversity monitoring. The primary target groups for this project are:
- Butterfly Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers
This group includes individuals with a deep interest in butterflies and nature in general. Whether they are hobbyists, amateur naturalists, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, these users benefit from an app that allows them to easily identify butterfly species on their walks, hikes, or travels. The app provides instant recognition through AI, allowing them to deepen their connection to nature without needing specialized knowledge. By offering a seamless and engaging experience, the app encourages them to explore more, learn about different species, and share their discoveries with others. - Researchers and Environmental Scientists
For professionals working in biodiversity conservation, ecology, and environmental science, our app offers a highly efficient tool for fieldwork. The AI-powered identification system can significantly streamline species recognition, saving time and reducing the need for manual identification methods. Researchers can use the app to quickly catalog butterfly sightings, track species distribution, and monitor populations in specific regions. Furthermore, the app’s ability to collect and organize data helps facilitate large-scale environmental studies and contributes to long-term biodiversity research. Its accuracy and functionality are designed to meet the needs of experts who rely on precise data for their scientific endeavors. - Educators and Students
Education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about biodiversity and conservation, and our app serves as a valuable resource in this context. Teachers in schools, colleges, or universities can integrate the app into biology and environmental science lessons, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning. With the AI-driven identification system, students can explore real-world applications of technology in science and gain a deeper understanding of butterfly species and ecosystems. By using the app during field trips or classroom projects, students get practical experience in data collection, species recognition, and environmental observation, making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable. - Citizen Scientists and Volunteers
Citizen science initiatives rely on public participation to collect large-scale environmental data, and our app makes it easier for volunteers to contribute meaningful observations. With its user-friendly interface, even those without scientific backgrounds can participate in monitoring butterfly populations. By using the app, these users can identify species, record their sightings, and share data with broader conservation networks. This empowers individuals to play an active role in biodiversity preservation and helps researchers gather critical information on butterfly distribution, habitat changes, and environmental impacts. The app strengthens community involvement in conservation efforts and democratizes access to scientific contributions. - Environmental Organizations and NGOs
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and environmental groups working on biodiversity conservation and species protection can use the app as a tool for advocacy, education, and research. The app aids in data collection for monitoring butterfly populations and offers insights into ecosystem health. NGOs can leverage the app to mobilize volunteers, raise awareness about endangered species, and educate the public on the importance of preserving biodiversity. The data gathered from the app can also help inform policy decisions and conservation strategies, as well as contribute to global initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife and natural habitats. - Public Gardens, Nature Reserves, and Eco-tourism Operators
These institutions and businesses can also benefit from the app by providing their visitors with an interactive tool to enhance their experience. By offering guided identification of butterfly species, they can enrich the visitor experience and foster a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity. The app could also be integrated into eco-tourism services, where tourists are encouraged to participate in citizen science by recording species sightings as part of their trip, contributing to a larger environmental cause while enjoying their travel experience.
Through its broad applicability, the Tagfalter-Monitoring app caters to a wide range of users, offering value to anyone interested in butterflies, from casual observers to professional scientists. This diversity of target groups ensures that the app supports both individual enjoyment and large-scale scientific research, all while contributing to the global mission of environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.
Our prototype
We have developed a functional prototype of the machine learning detection for various types of butterflys. You can upload your own pictures of butterflys via our webpage. Afterwards you become a prediction which type it is. This is a important module for further developement of the mobile application.
You can try it yourself now via our webpage:
- Click here to explore our webpage and try our ML detection
- Click here to explore our design of the mobile app
- Click here to visit the informatial website