KathScan

About This Project

Summary

Tourist photos often capture more than memories—they unknowingly document ecological threats. Since tourists go where conservation teams often can’t, KathScan uses AI to scan publicly tagged photos for invasive plant species. It transforms casual images into early warning signals—helping teams act quickly, remotely, and cost-effectively.

Goals & Objectives

To create a simple, scalable AI tool that empowers environmental protection by using publicly available photos to detect invasive plant species in real time—especially in places conservation teams can’t reach every day.

Results & Impact

While still in development, KathScan shows how ethical AI can extend conservation reach. It has sparked conversations around low-cost digital tools for environmental monitoring and shown promise as a scalable model beyond New Zealand.