Three biologists, two from Penn State University and one from the University of Guelph in Ontario, once met at a conference dedicated to gigapixel panorama photography. They thought it would be interesting to see examples of ecosystems thriving in areas developed by humans, and that the amazingly detailed digital photos would be the perfect way to capture images of these places.
The scientists partnered with a Carnegie Mellon University lab that produces GigaPan Magazine, a website that showcases gigapixel panorama images. During the days surrounding the June solstice — the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere — people around the world were invited to submit gigapan photos of biodiversity in places like gardens and highway overpasses. More than 70 people from 15 countries took part in the event, called the Nearby Nature GigaBlitz. The best were chosen for publication on the magazine's website.
The team is seeking another round of images to be captured between Dec. 19 and 25, which includes the December solstice. Participants can upload photos to the GigaPan website.
“We're willing to be surprised, and we were the first time around,” says Ken Tamminga, a Penn State landscape architecture professor and co-organizer of the project. “We don't have a specific agenda for where this is going.”
But the project teems with potential, he says. For example, images of the same place over a period of time could show how productive that area is as a wildlife habitat and how many species thrive there.
Source: Ken Tamminga, Penn State University
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen