College students develop web app to map plant diversity on school campuses

A team of final-year BSc Geography students from Government College, Karyavattom, has developed a student-friendly web application that enables secondary school students to map plant diversity within their school campuses, requiring only an Android phone or web browser.

The lightweight web tool requires no installation and allows users to conduct simple field surveys and instantly generate biodiversity maps with basic cartographic elements.

Designed with an intuitive interface that is suited for students with minimal technical background, the application (https://plant-diversity-mapping.web.app/) combines field observation with real-time digital mapping to strengthen spatial thinking, environmental awareness and practical surveying skills through hands-on learning.

The project was created as part of an experiential, technology-integrated academic exercise under the guidance of Pratheep Kumar B., Assistant Professor, Department of Geography. The initiative aligns with the objectives of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) which promotes digital pedagogy in classrooms.

What sets the application apart is its simple and intuitive graphical user interface, carefully designed to suit school students with minimal technical background, Prof. Kumar says.

Once data collection is complete, students can immediately visualise their findings as a map, making the learning process interactive, experiential, and engaging. The developers include Gowrinandana A., Devika S.P., Samrutha V.S., Achu Reju, Athulya Byju, Farhana S. and Gowripriya M.B.

Wider implementation

The application has already been piloted in a few schools, and has received encouraging feedback from teachers and students. Wider implementation in government schools is also expected subject to approval from the Director of General Education.

The student team also presented the project at a recent international seminar organised by the Government Arts and Science College, Kulathoor, where it drew appreciation from the academic community.

The tool is considered to hold strong potential for advancing digital education, environmental learning and geospatial skill development among school students in Kerala.