Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/S002383/1
NEC06665 Automatic image recognition for Japanese Knotweed for the conveyancing sector
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr T August, NERC CEH (Up to 30.11.2019), Biodiversity (Wallingford)
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr DB Roy, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Biodiversity (Wallingford)
- Grant held at:
- NERC CEH (Up to 30.11.2019), Biodiversity (Wallingford)
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Unknown
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- Invasive species
- Conservation Ecology
- Abstract:
- We will address our current knowledge gaps with a programme of activities aimed at increasing our understanding of the market need and potential end-users, as well as producing a proof-of-concept image classifier. Work to be undertaken: Proof-of-concept algorithm - Using over 8,000 images of Japanese Knotweed and over 20,000 images of other common garden plants, we will produce a proof-of-concept image classification algorithm that can identify images of Japanese Knotweed, with an estimate of certainty, and can be integrated with the Japanese Knotweed risk map to provide an overall assessment of the likelihood of the species being present on a property. Building this proof-of-concept is key for follow-on funding as it will be the basis of any future application. Additionally, the limitations and capabilities of the technique are unknown until a classifier has been built and evaluated. A functional proof-of-concept should increase stakeholder recruitment and engagement in the follow-on application. RICS consultation - We will consult with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as the trade body for surveyors to discuss the needs gap in the industry, the size of the market and to set out the evaluation criteria of the image classifier. Understanding the market and the specific end-users will be key to the follow-on application. Through previous work with RICS, we know that they are experts in Japanese Knotweed surveying and remediation industry and they can contribute significantly to identifying markets for an image classification tool, as well as connecting us with end-users who could be involved in a follow-on application. Classifier report - The project will collate images of Japanese Knotweed, primarily from the Biological Records Centre's system 'iRecord'. We will report on the availability of images, the impact of image and model selection on classifier accuracy, the computational requirements, and the accuracy that the classifiers are able to achieve in 'real-world' conditions. The technical limitations of the project, both in terms of images available, and the accuracy of the classifier are key for identifying specific end user applications. This understanding will be used to specify objectives for the follow-on application and to select end-users for the co-design phase. Code base - We will produce a library of code for designing, training, and implementing image classifiers which will be the basis of the follow-on application. This code base will be the intellectual property of CEH, derived from CEH's data and image holdings, which will form the core of the follow-on application.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/S002383/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Innovation
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Follow on Fund Pathfinder
This grant award has a total value of £14,470
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Indirect - Indirect Costs | DA - Estate Costs | DI - Staff | DI - T&S |
|---|---|---|---|
| £4,783 | £3,794 | £5,490 | £403 |
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