QR code identity card on an old tree in the Three Gorges Square

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The ancient and rare trees in a city are a witness to city development and an important part of landscape resources. In order to scientifically manage and protect these ancient and rare trees, Shapingba District established a management system for these trees, which not only provides unique QR codes for ancient ficus virens, but also makes the sensor terminal to guard them, effectively preventing theft and falling-down.

Ficus virens have unique QR codes

Some ficus virens at the Three Gorges Square of Shapingba District have owned code mark with green background. "Every QR code is exclusive. You may know the genus and age of the tree when you scan it." The relevant staff said.

By scanning the QR code of an old ficus virens with a mobile phone, the page automatically logs into a remote webpage. Soon, the page displays the information: the first-class ancient tree, approximately 380 years old, with a height of 10 meters and a DHB (diameter at breast height) of 3 meters...

Sensor terminal guards ancient trees

In addition to the QR code, a small white box is installed above the trunk. Although the box is only the size of a palm, it is significant - it can monitor the growth state of the trees, soil moisture and pH in real-time, and alert if someone logging it or it falls down.

The sensor terminal includes a box and a soil monitoring probe. The box is a host while the probe inserts into the soil to detect the temperature, humidity, pH and so on, then sensors transmit the real-time data. The sensor terminal has a built-in acceleration sensor. The technician calculates a tilt angle by gravity component algorithm. When the tilt angle is greater than the pre-set value, it indicates that the tree may fall down, and the terminal can prompt a warning. The acceleration sensor can also detect vibration. The unique algorithm ignores natural disturbances such as rain and wind so as to ensure an accurate monitoring on illegal logging. (Translated by Yang Lifu, Fathom Language Limited)