Google has expanded tree canopy, a part of its Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) insights, from 14 cities to nearly 350 cities globally including Quezon City. With this expansion, tree canopy has the potential to help cities create cooler environments for hundreds of millions of people.

Based on aerial imagery and machine learning algorithms, EIE uses specialized tree-detection (artificial intelligence) AI trained to scan a city or neighborhood’s terrain, detect the presence of trees there, and compute an estimate of that place’s tree canopy.

EIE is a freely available insights tool that uses unique Google data sources and modeling capabilities to produce estimates of an area, infrastructure or activity including Greenhouse gas emissions, inventory boundaries, buildings, solar, transportation, and tree canopy.

Google strengthens sustainability initiatives
Google provides $1.5 million Search Ad grant for COVID-19 information drive

Tree canopy

Trees provide a wide range of benefits to a city, from managing stormwater runoff to increasing resilience against extreme heat. Shade from urban trees also reduces cooling costs, along with incentivizing walking, biking and other outdoor activities.

EIE now provides access to the tree canopy data of Quezon City, one of the most urbanized and densely populated cities in the country. These key insights can be used by leaders and decision-makers in planning resources for planting and maintaining trees which is important in accelerating efforts against climate change.

“Google believes that accessible, actionable data plays a vital role in enabling the world’s transition to a carbon-free future. We are proud that the Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) for tree canopy is now in the Philippines, which could serve leaders and foster studies towards greener cities,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Philippines.

Check out Environmental Insights Explorer now to access insights on Quezon City’s tree canopy data. 

Fire trees UP Diliman Quezon City (Photo by Ralff Nestor Nacor)