The Merlin Bird Photo ID Identifies Birds From Photographs
Rahul Kalvapalle — June 9, 2015 — Eco
Merlin Bird Photo ID is a piece of software, developed by Cornell University and Visipedia, that uses the latest computer vision technology to identify birds pictured in user-supplied photos.
To use the program, users start by uploading a photo that they might have snapped of a bird, drawing a box around the animal to help the software locate it. Then then click on the bird's eye, tail and bill to convey its orientation, and also specify when and where they saw it.
At that point, Merlin Bird Photo ID's artificial intelligence kicks in, comparing data points from the photo with tens of thousands of photos of known species of birds. The database currently includes 400 species of birds seen in North America, while the software itself can be used for free.
To use the program, users start by uploading a photo that they might have snapped of a bird, drawing a box around the animal to help the software locate it. Then then click on the bird's eye, tail and bill to convey its orientation, and also specify when and where they saw it.
At that point, Merlin Bird Photo ID's artificial intelligence kicks in, comparing data points from the photo with tens of thousands of photos of known species of birds. The database currently includes 400 species of birds seen in North America, while the software itself can be used for free.
Trend Themes
1. Bird-identifying Software - Using computer vision technology to identify birds from user-supplied photos presents opportunities for improved bird-watching experiences and environmental research.
2. Artificial Intelligence in Nature - The application of artificial intelligence to identify wildlife can revolutionize wildlife monitoring, conservation efforts, and ecological research.
3. Image Recognition for Citizen Science - Harnessing the power of image recognition software enables the engagement of citizen scientists in documenting bird species and tracking bird populations.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - The development of bird-identifying software opens up opportunities for software developers, computer vision experts, and AI researchers to improve image recognition algorithms.
2. Environmental Science - The use of bird-identifying software provides opportunities for environmental scientists, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts to study and monitor avian biodiversity and habitats.
3. Tourism and Recreation - Integrating bird-identifying technology into tourism and recreational activities can enhance bird-watching experiences and support nature conservation efforts.
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