EarthCode
Non-Tag Tree Tracking for Carbon Markets




2024


Non-Tag Tree Tracking for Carbon Markets


Project Duration

Started in January 2024 · Ongoing


My Roles

Project Creator, Designer, Developer, Researcher


Additional Note

🏆 Awarded First Place in the 2024 Dezeen X Bentley
‘Start Something Powerful’ competition. 

InnovationRCA's LaunchPad Programme 2024

Featured in international press,
including Dezeen and Bentley’s official channels. 

2024 Royal College of Art Graduate Show 

2024 Imperial College London Graduate Show





What if a forest could ID itself?

EarthCode tackles this question by creating a non-invasive, tag-free solution for tracking trees and verifying carbon credits. Developed as my thesis project for the MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering programme at the Royal College of Art & Imperial College London, EarthCode revolutionizes how forests are managed and monitored—without leaving a footprint.







Context

The Problem with
Traditional Tree Tracking




For decades, we’ve relied on invasive tags, nails, and markers onto trees, thinking we were doing right by nature. Millions of plastic and metal tags later, we’re left with forests cluttered by our well-intentioned waste.









Dendrometers and RFID nails are invasive and environmentally damaging, generating tons of CO₂ emissions. EarthCode’s non-invasive technology eliminates this impact, capturing tree data without leaving a trace.







Inspired by Tradition

Reviving Ancient Wisdom
with Modern Tech




Inspired by the Sámi people's tradition of identifying trees through unique bark patterns, EarthCode revives and modernizes this practice with technology.









Each tree tells a unique story through its bark. These textures hold the key to sustainable tracking.









Transforming the natural patterns of tree bark into a digital ‘Bark-Code’—a secure and unique identifier.








A single scan of a tree’s bark section generates the entire ‘Bark-Code,’ making tracking fast and efficient.








EarthCode encodes tree structures through a scanning process that maps form and patterns in a donut shape, aligning cells to track both stable IDs and adaptive traits like seasonal shifts or pest impact.











Challenge

Barriers for Small Forest Owners








Small forest owners want to join the carbon offset market, but traditional methods are expensive, complicated, and invasive. 







In Evo, Finland, I learned traditional forest management techniques, leading to the development of EarthCode’s early stages.









Solution

EarthCode:
A Non-Invasive Answer





Simple and user-friendly—just stand and scan. The device captures all the necessary data.












 Focused on accessibility for small owners to ensure effective and accurate tracking.










How It Works

Scan, Decode,
and Track Effortlessly










  • Scan the bark.

  • Get the data.

  • Track everything: species, location, carbon storage, and even health.
















A swift scan reveals each tree’s digital identity, ensuring transparency and accuracy.












Process

From Concept to Field-
Ready Device






From basic sensors to refined prototypes—testing directly in the forest.










Soft, ergonomic design for easy handling. A sleek cylindrical shape for portability.




Every component plays a crucial role, from LiDAR sensors to AI processing units.









Next Step

Scaling Up for
a Global Impact




EarthCode is evolving, focusing on integrating more environmental data and refining the user interface for forest owners. We aim to expand our outreach globally, adapting to diverse ecosystems.






































What If Trees Could Manage Themselves?

Well, with EarthCode, they almost can.