Our forest should not only be protected, but also better understood. To that end, we want to develop an open network that can link observations, environmental information, and measurement data.

The idea bridges the real and digital worlds: Simple markers that use as few resources as possible can make locations in the forest digitally identifiable. In addition, selected measurement points can be equipped with small, energy-efficient sensors. Using technologies such as LoRaWAN, data such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, water levels, or other environmental data can be transmitted—without requiring a cellular connection at every location.

Not a Closed System

It is important to us not to develop yet another isolated platform.

We want to create an open infrastructure that other projects can connect to. In particular, we invite projects and initiatives in the fields of flora, biodiversity, forest ecology, water bodies, climate research, citizen science, and open data to contribute their experiences and requirements.

Existing projects are not intended to be replaced. On the contrary: A location or an observation could be linked to various data sources and projects.

For example, a marked forest location could simultaneously provide access to information about plants and animals, current sensor data, historical measurements, maps, and the offerings of participating projects.

A Common Open Standard

We find the idea of a simple visual marker particularly interesting—one that, similar to a QR code, can be recognized by a camera but could be produced much more easily and with fewer resources.

Such a marker could, for example, be applied to wood or other suitable surfaces using a reusable stencil. The marker itself would not need to contain all the information. A unique identifier is sufficient to link the respective location to various digital resources.

We would like to design the technical specifications for such a marker and the interfaces for resolving the identifiers to be as open as possible. Other projects should be able to build their own applications, scanners, or services on top of it.

From Markers to a Flora and Sensor Network

At selected locations, a second layer could be added: small, energy-efficient measuring stations that communicate via LoRaWAN and continuously provide environmental data.

In the long term, this could result in a decentralized network:

Forest → Marker → Location → Observations → Sensors → LoRaWAN → Open Data → Various Projects

Not every marked location requires electronics for this. Many points can remain completely passive. Sensors are used only where continuous measurements actually provide added value.

This allows us to expand the range of information available and enhance environmental monitoring without cluttering the forest with unnecessary technology.

Invitation to Collaborate

This idea is still in its early stages—and that is precisely why we would like to invite other projects to get involved early on.

We’re looking to engage with existing flora and biodiversity projects, nature conservation initiatives, forestry and scientific communities, local governments, open data projects, developers, and operators of existing LoRaWAN infrastructures.

Together, we’d like to discuss:

What should an open, visual nature marker look like? What information should be clearly identifiable? Which existing standards can we use instead of creating new siloed solutions? How can different flora and nature projects share the same locations? What sensor data is actually useful for forests, the water cycle, drought, and biodiversity? And how can the resulting data remain permanently open and interoperable?

Anyone already working on a flora, nature, sensor, citizen science, or open data project is expressly invited to get involved.

We don’t want to simply present a finished system and then look for partners for it. We want to develop the foundations together.

BioMaps does not see itself as a completed project, but rather as an open platform for collaboration.

We aim to bring together people, initiatives, organizations, research institutions, government agencies, companies, and open-source projects that focus on nature, biodiversity, water, climate, environmental monitoring, or open geodata.

Our goal is not to create yet another siloed solution, but to work together to develop an open standard and infrastructure that can be used by as many projects as possible.

We invite projects

Whether you’ve been active for years or are just starting to develop an idea—we look forward to exchanging ideas with you.

We are particularly interested in projects in the following areas:

•  Forestry and forest management
•  Flora and biodiversity
•  Species and nature conservation
•  Water and waterway protection
•  Climate and environmental monitoring
•  LoRaWAN and Sensor Networks
•  Geodata and GIS
•  OpenStreetMap and Open Data
•  Science and Research
•  Citizen Science
•  Open-Source Software
•  Municipalities and Public Institutions

Developing Together Instead of Working Side by Side

Many projects are already collecting valuable information. However, these projects often develop independently of one another and can only be shared to a limited extent.

BioMaps therefore aims to create a common technical foundation.

For example, a location in the forest could simultaneously link information from various projects:

• plant and animal observations
• historical trends
• Soil and climate data
• water levels
• Forest damage
• Photos
• Scientific studies
• Municipal Information
• Interactive maps
• Citizen science observations

All data remains where it is currently maintained. BioMaps aims to link information—not centralize it.

Open standards instead of closed systems

We want to work together to develop standards that anyone can use.

These include, for example:

• an open visual nature marker for uniquely identifying locations,
• open interfaces (APIs),
• shared data models,
• open documentation,
• free software,
• interoperable formats,
• as well as the ability to connect existing systems with one another.

No one should have to replace their existing solution. Rather, different systems should be able to communicate with one another.

Sensors where they make sense

Not every location requires electronics.

At selected locations, small, energy-efficient sensors could use LoRaWAN or other open wireless technologies to collect environmental data—such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, or water levels.

Over the long term, this creates a decentralized network that makes the state of our natural environment visible and can support research, nature conservation, and local decision-making.

Get Involved

The idea is intentionally still in its early stages.

That’s why we’re not just looking for partners for a finished project—but for people and organizations who want to contribute their experience, ideas, and requirements from the very beginning.

Whether you’re an initiative, an association, a research institution, a municipality, a company, or an individual—if you’re interested in open collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we can create an infrastructure that does not belong to a single project but is open to everyone.