Open Foris
Open-source software to facilitate flexible and efficient data collection, analysis and reporting
Description
Open Foris is a set of free, open-source software tools developed by FAO and its partners to support the flexible and efficient collection, analysis and reporting of data. It includes survey design and data management tools (Arena, Collect, Collect Mobile); a data analysis and results calculation (Calc) tool; and several software tools based on Google Earth to support the collection of field data (Collect Earth) and satellite imagery (Collect Earth Online, Earth Map, SEPAL). The tools can be applied to such fields as environmental monitoring, biodiversity assessment, forestry and land use, forest inventories, etc., contributing to improvement in climate change mitigation plans and the development of more informed land-use policies.
Technology
Each of the open-source software tools in Open Foris is based on a different technology. Arena is an online app for survey design, data management, utilization and processing. Collect is an easy and flexible survey design and data management tool. Collect Mobile is an intuitive data collection and am validation in the field. Calc is an efficient and collaborative data analysis and results dissemination tool. Collect Earth provides augmented visual interpretations for land monitoring. Collect Earth Online is a custom built, open-source, high resolution satellite image viewing and interpretation system. Earth Map has the power of the Google Earth Engine without coding, and is a user-friendly tool for complex land monitoring. SEPAL facilitates land monitoring with earth observation and data access, processing and analysis functions. All of the tools are mobile applications that are available through the Google Play Store, from online apps, computer applications for Windows, Linux and Mac, or computer software making use of Google Earth Pro and an internet browser.
Target
Governments, research institutions, NGOs and even farmers can use the tools for data collection and analysis, monitoring and decision-making purposes, or for forest inventory works, climate change reporting, socio-economic surveys, biodiversity assessment, and land use change and forestry measurement.
Business model
The tools are freely available from the Open Foris website.
Impact
According to FAO news, Open Foris tools are helping people in 180 countries to collect, analyse and report data. The tools make data collection, analysis and reporting more accessible, accurate and transparent, and as a result, people and governments are able to measure, report, plan, devise policies and verify policy impacts more effectively. Open Foris has played an instrumental role in the development of transparent, reliable, relevant, accessible and sustainable National Forest Monitoring Systems in 45 countries. Open Foris tools and apps have been used for the provision of data to 70 percent of the 50 REDD+ Forest Reference Levels submitted to the UNFCCC. The 50 countries in question are responsible for 75 percent of the global deforestation, according to FAO’s 2020 Global Forest Resources Assessment.
Partners
UN-REDD; Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative; International Climate Initiative (IKI); German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU); government of Finland.
Four Betters
Better environment
Better life
