Description
E‑Planner is a free tool that uses AI-driven spatial modelling to produce high‑resolution and interactive suitability maps for ecological interventions. Some of the management options users can explore are habitats for seed-rich birds, flower-rich pollinators and wet grasslands restoration as well as woodland creation, water resource protection, and agri-environment schemes. E-planner is also developed alongside e-surveyor, a complementary mobile app to assist in environmental monitoring. The initiative addresses the increasing pressure among farmers to deliver a wide range of environmental goals from their land and producing food.
Technology
The tool integrates satellite imagery with national‑scale environmental datasets such as topography, soil, habitat, and hydrology. The maps are presented as five-metre resolution maps, assisting farmers with the most suitable location for their desired environmental intervention. The maps are processed using R scripts and deployed via web GIS. Suitability is scored on a 0‑1 scale based on factors such as topography, soil, nearby habitats, and other landscape features which guide farmers in their decision-making.
Target
E-planner is designed for farmers, land managers, and advisors in Great Britain.
Business model
Provided as a free tool accessible via web browser. No user fees developed under ASSIST (NERC/BBSRC) with continued support via Defra/JNCC and integration into farming schemes.
Impact
The initiative aims to help farmers and land managers identify the most suitable places for environmental management actions. E-planner acknowledges that the tool cannot replace local knowledge and does not suggest optimum solutions, rather a workflow that guides farmers.
Partners
Arla Foods; Natural Environment Research Council; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council; Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
